The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Caspian spread his arms in front of him, a human barricade. “Jasper, Madam, guys, I can’t just let Percival walk out of here. We need official clearance to release him. Please head back and wait for news. I swear on my life, if a single hair on Percival’s head is harmed, I’ll answer for it!”

Vivienne, clutching the prison access card in her hand, said with a steely tone, “Caspian, I’m only giving you this much time because of your sister. Out of my way.”

“Wait!”

Dracon emerged from inside the prison, his face a mask of rage as he glared at Vivienne.

“Vivienne, you think this is your playground? You can’t just waltz in here whenever you please. My dad’s in the ER fighting for his life, and Percival is our prime suspect. He’s not going anywhere with you!”

Before Dracon could finish, a rock came hurling down, striking him squarely on the crown of his head.

Fredrick stepped forward, his voice dripping with contempt. “Who do you think you are, spouting off like that, Dracon? I’m telling you, if you don’t step aside, I’ll make you beg for mercy, just like old times. Believe it?”

Dracon was well aware of Fredrick’s reputation and quickly retreated behind Caspian. “Fredrick, even if you and the Perez family turn this place upside down, I can’t let you through. This is about my dad, and I won’t let it go with Percival!”

Vivienne’s expression was icy as she prepared to push forward, but Jasper pulled her back just in time.

As she frowned, a man in a suit appeared before them, bearing a strong resemblance to Dracon but with a more resolute demeanor. His skills were clearly superior; even Vivienne would have to take a few rounds to defeat him.

Maddox stepped in front of Vivienne with a sneer. “Well, well, if it isn’t our esteemed diplomat. What brings you to our neck of the woods?”

Hector ignored Maddox and gave Jasper a respectful nod. “Jasper, it’s been too long. I regret not visiting you sooner upon my return. Please forgive me.”

“It’s alright, Hector. You’re here now. But tell me, do you intend to get involved in today’s affair?” Jasper asked with a faint smile.

Hector shook his head. “That’s not my intention. I understand Vivienne’s urgency to free her fiancé, but the matter has not yet been resolved. We can’t release Percival until it is, especially with my father still unconscious. I hope you can understand our position.”

Vivienne’s eyes narrowed subtly. This man had clearly done his homework on her.

Hector then turned his gaze to Vivienne, his eyes flickering with an unreadable light.

reason, she felt

stand to see my grandson-in-law treated this way. Are you going to release him today or not?” Jasper’s

make my father wake

slightly. “Alright.” She had planned to visit Yorick after freeing Percival anyway, but since Hector had put forth a condition,

to get Percival

to protest, Hector silenced him

wait here. If Yorick disagrees, we’ll force our way in,” Vivienne instructed before turning to her grandfather and her

“You

didn’t want the Perez family too involved, but without someone from their side present, Dracon would surely mobilize the Linklater family’s

agreement and watched as Vivienne swiftly made her

“Hector, still putting on that holier-than-thou

way, Vivienne couldn’t help but ask, “Grandpa, what’s the deal between Maddox and

they were kids, both third in line, never seeing eye to

a lot more

laughed. “There’s plenty of people more straight-laced than

behind his back. I bet they’ll end up scrapping

about Hector. She had a feeling there was more to his interest in her than met the

hospital and headed straight for the

later, Hector’s phone rang. He answered it

to object, but Vanguard Agency personnel were already opening the gates, escorting

inwardly—what

nines, stepped out and was at a loss for words at the scene before

warmer. “Nephew-in-law, Vivienne’s waiting

to the

Uncle Maddox. I’ll head

Percival got

West showdown. They were shoulder to shoulder, wrist to wrist, in a tussle that