The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

“Country bumpkin?”

Vivienne arched an eyebrow, an expression that hadn’t crossed her face in quite some time.

She surveyed Ramona with a critical eye, noting the girl couldn’t be more than twenty. With her doll-like features, it was no wonder she had become an overnight sensation.

It wasn’t just the push from her handlers behind the scenes; that pretty face was surely a factor.

Withdrawing her gaze, Vivienne’s clear eyes shifted to Dorian. “Dorian, what’s going on? Didn’t we agree that Kala was to be the face of the new perfume line?”

She paused, noting Dorian’s evasive look.

She asked, “You’re in trouble, why didn’t you talk to me?”

“I will explain everything later, Vivienne,” Dorian replied, his face showing distress. “Ms. Grimshaw, this is my daughter. Please be respectful.”

After he spoke, he turned to face Ramona with a stern expression.

Something was off.

Vivienne tugged at Percival’s sleeve, and without a word, he understood. He gestured to Thomas, indicating he should lean in closer.

Ramona, meanwhile, was visibly irked by Percival’s blatant disregard for her, his attention solely on Vivienne.

Her voice dripped with jealousy, “Percival, darling, look at them! I wouldn’t have taken this ad gig if it wasn’t for your sake. Now, they’re all ganging up on me.”

Her whiny voice grated on Vivienne’s nerves.

Vivienne’s elegant eyebrows knitted together as she scoffed, “Ms. Grimshaw, are you supposed to be some kind of mother hen? Clucking away like you’re laying eggs at the Hawthorn family talent show.”

at Vivienne. “You, you country bumpkin! What right do you have to talk to

of the entire banquet hall to the unfolding scene between

guests murmured among themselves, their

Who’s calling Ms.

perfume maestro Q, not to mention a renowned

called a country bumpkin, what does that make

in with a smirk, “All this talk of country bumpkins. One would

“You, I—”

would have slapped Vivienne then and there. Her face flushed with a mix of rage and mortification;

once so easily bullied in Havenwood,

as she said, “You just wait!

…

had just finished bathing Karen and was carrying the

you could slice it, making it

the lights in the bathroom flickered twice, then went

bathroom door to find nothing but darkness. Without hesitation, she followed the rope that

then, the hospital room door cracked open, letting in a sliver of light. A man cautiously stepped in,

room flooded with light, and Willa, with lightning-fast reflexes, threw a dagger

…

minor disturbance

to Vivienne, casting glances around the room. “Strange, where did Ramona go? She

light-hearted tone, “Why? Were you hoping she’d

demeanor was cool and

Vivienne’s lightheartedness for irritation, hurriedly explained, “No, no. I wish she’d leave faster. But you don’t understand, Vivienne. Ramona

she acted just now, she’s clearly set her sights on Mr. Ellington. There must have been some