The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Yorick Linklater squinted his eyes, truly oblivious to the fact that his most well-behaved son had been stirring up such trouble behind his back.

To think his son had even ventured into the black market, exploiting his privileges!

He had surely underestimated this wretched boy!

The next moment, Yorick’s boot connected viciously with Dracon’s jaw, nearly shattering it. “You beast, shut your mouth! Worthless trash!”

Dracon was in too much pain to speak.

Yorick, tired of the spectacle, settled back into his chair. “Percival, come in.”

Percival stepped through the door, his steely gaze briefly sweeping over the maggot writhing on the floor. “Yorick.”

“This mess is my fault for not keeping a tighter leash. I’ll cover all the losses the Brooks family has suffered. Go back and tell Vivienne not to fret about the bionic tech incident. I’ll look into it discreetly. As for F-Poison, we’re blind until she surfaces again.”

Percival was of the same mind. “Understood.”

Yorick exhaled deeply, producing a contract. “Take this as compensation for Vivienne and the Brooks family. We’ll address the losses separately.”

Percival scanned the document—it was an international business contract. Without lifting a finger, they’d rake in thirty billion dollars a year.

He pocketed the contract unceremoniously. Vivienne, the little money-hoarder, would probably forgive all his transgressions at the sight of it!

“Yorick, I’ll take my leave then.” Percival grinned, knowing full well that Dracon was not his problem to handle.

With Dracon silenced by Yorick and Gillian taken away for investigation, it seemed peace would reign, at least for a while.

Matthew held the contract with a grin that threatened to split his face. Thirty billion dollars! That was his salary for three whole years! Now, with this windfall, he could certainly petition Vivienne for a bonus.

Percival shook his head at the sight of Matthew’s glee, musing how he mirrored Vivienne’s expression when it came to money. No wonder Leopold pinched pennies like no other—it was an Emerald Mountain tradition!

“Achoo!” Leopold sneezed so violently as soon as he woke up that he nearly tore his sutures.

you trying to undo your stitches? Do

had been a constant presence at the hospital, forgoing sleep to watch over Leopold. Now that he

be Percival badmouthing me behind my back—why else would I be sneezing?” Leopold protested, propped up in bed, swathed in bandages, his only mobility in his

father’s not been well; didn’t want to worry

They’d be fretting over nothing. Ow, I’m starving. Is

out. Anna’s with him. Don’t worry, Vivienne said it’s just the anesthesia—he’ll

nodding in agreement. “Yeah, with Vivienne and

his nonchalance, Leopold’s eyes darted toward the

a wheelchair and helped Leopold to Soren’s

chummy. Can’t it wait?”

need some

room to find Karen and Vivienne chatting outside. Vivienne frowned at Leopold. “Who

fresh air. How’s Soren? Still out cold?” Leopold

well. “Anna’s with him. Just

with Anna being there? Let me check on

it back. “Vivienne and

looked puzzled but complied, peering through

with a damp cloth. Her motions

Leopold gasped.

in the world? When did this

and now they

really Anna? It had

wore a knowing smile. “Anna and Soren are a good match. They might seem cold on the

Leopold looked up in surprise. “There must be a reason. Did Soren save Anna’s life or

from the team that Soren gave her his last life-saving

reassured. “I thought so. And here I’ve been rooting

Kenneth arrived just

a collection of thoughtfully chosen gifts, and an assortment of health supplements, Kenneth stood behind the crowd, peering through the glass at how tenderly Anna was caring for

Vivienne, when Anna comes out, hand her these things for me, will ya? I gotta run, but tell her to take it easy. I’ll swing by tomorrow to check on her.”Books Chapters Are Daily