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.”

whether she felt bitter or something else, had initially wanted to step out for a stroll, but her good

like an eternity of waiting, just as Victoria’s patience was

waned until she lazily asked, “Whose

and confirmed it was indeed the Ellington family’s car, a rare

“Miss,

attention. As she stepped out

her.” Through the windshield,

familiar face and asked, “You know

Abernathy family’s

was already by the car. “Ms. Hawthorn, I need a word with you, if you don’t

you’ve got something to say, say it

to Percival, her voice indignant. “For heaven’s sake, you’re set to be the lady of the Ellington family. Didn’t Richard teach you

the window frame. “And how is that

my concern because—my

have other matters to attend

nearly getting lost in

gave the bodyguard Walter a grateful glance. If it weren’t for him, she

about to speak again, when she heard Percival’s icy voice, “Ms. Abernathy, if there’s

turned to Percival. “Ms. Hawthorn,

at her curiously. “Why should I tell

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 by talking

arms crossed and a look of disdain, she warned, “You’d better hand over Kaitlyn quickly! She’s nothing but trouble. Do you want to bring

bore a striking resemblance to his aunt, Percival’s deep eyes filled with a mix of

the same time, a growing animosity toward

Victoria met

trying to be helpful here. That woman will bring bad luck to

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 too long, and you might forget how