The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne took several deep breaths before delivering a resounding slap to the back of Brian’s head. “Go run laps around the entire institute! And guess what? You’ve just earned yourself the honor of cleaning duty for the next two months!”

She then turned her attention to Brody who looked as if he’d seen a ghost.

With a swift motion, he sprung to his feet and dashed out, his complexion ashen as he passed his colleagues who could easily spot his pallor.

Brian clambered up from the floor. “What a coward. I mean, Vivienne’s stunning. What’s there to be afraid of?”

His voice wasn’t loud, but in the eerie silence of the institute, even an ant’s footsteps would have echoed.

Everyone, including Leopold, froze for a second, glancing at Vivienne’s reaction.

Leopold gulped before venturing, “Is it possible that, uh, they’re actually afraid of you?”

Meanwhile, Percival had approached Vivienne’s side. “Come on, don’t waste your breath here. Let’s get out of here.”

…

On the approach to the grand Ellington Mansion.

“Are you sure this is where Vivienne lives?”

Victoria sat in the car, surveying the distant property.

The scale and setting were on par with the top noble houses, and she’d heard Vivienne was the granddaughter-in-law of the owner of the mansion.

No wonder she’d been so bold the other day.

The bodyguard pointed toward the distant Ellington estate. “That’s Ms. Hawthorn’s in-laws’ place. The road there leads to the bridal suite of Ms. Hawthorn and her husband. This route is a must-pass for them.”

else, had initially wanted to step out

of waiting, just as Victoria’s patience was wearing thin for the

until she lazily asked, “Whose car

and confirmed it was indeed the

car door. “Miss, it’s Mr. Ellington and

attention. As she stepped out

Through the windshield,

familiar face

and nodded. “She’s the Abernathy family’s

already by the car. “Ms. Hawthorn, I need a word with you,

and replied indifferently, “If you’ve got something to say, say it

sake, you’re set to be the lady of

on the window frame. “And how

my concern because—my mother

other matters to

was close, Victoria thought, nearly getting lost in

a grateful glance. If it weren’t

herself, about to speak again, when she heard Percival’s icy voice, “Ms. Abernathy, if there’s nothing else, don’t block

nothing else?” Victoria turned to Percival. “Ms. Hawthorn, where have you

curiously. “Why

family! Don’t think I can’t touch you just because you’re clinging to the Ellingtons. You’re nothing more than the daughter of some perfume company CEO. I’m even lowering myself

look of disdain, she warned, “You’d better hand over Kaitlyn quickly! She’s nothing but trouble.

questioning the Ellington family’s ability to protect someone?” Looking at Victoria’s face which bore a striking resemblance to his aunt, Percival’s deep eyes filled

and, at the same time, a growing animosity toward

gaze narrowed as Victoria

like prey under a hawk’s gaze, her skin crawled. “You can’t be serious! I’m trying

Wolf, drive.” A mysterious glint passed through Vivienne’s eyes. She held Victoria’s gaze as she slowly rolled up the window. “Be careful—wear a mask