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 for a stroll, but her good mood had vanished in an

was wearing thin for the

waned until she lazily asked, “Whose car

already scoped out Percival’s ride, squinted for a better look and confirmed it was

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

snapped to attention. As she stepped out of her car, Percival was

Through the windshield, Vivienne recognized

face and asked, “You

him and nodded. “She’s the Abernathy family’s daughter, Victoria—the

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

something to say, say it here. We’re in a

“For heaven’s sake, you’re set

leaned on the window frame.

my concern

have other

nearly getting lost

If it weren’t

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

there’s nothing else?” Victoria turned to Percival. “Ms. Hawthorn, where have

her curiously.

the daughter of the Abernathy 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

“You’d better hand over Kaitlyn quickly! She’s nothing but trouble. Do you want to bring disaster upon

Victoria’s face which bore a

and, at the same time, a growing animosity toward the

Victoria met his

hawk’s gaze, her skin crawled. “You can’t be serious! I’m trying to be helpful here. That woman will bring bad

slowly rolled up the window. “Be careful—wear a mask too long, and you might forget how to