The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne sighed deeply as she read the text message screenshot Donald had sent her, feigning distress, thinking, “Seriously, is being this petty absolutely necessary?”

Percival’s hand had never left her shoulder, so he naturally didn’t miss the message popping up on her phone.

Watching another man throw a temper tantrum at his wife, Percival felt the acidic jealousy bubble up inside him. But if one were to trace the root of the issue, it would lead back to one of the infamous trio of numbskulls, who had been swaggering around without a care in the world.

Percival’s eyes narrowed slightly, sending a shiver down Leopold’s spine.

Before he could react, he felt something smack the back of his head, and he spun around, ready to fight, “Who’s there? Who dares to hit me? Do you have a death wish…”

His threatening words trailed off as he met Percival’s icy gaze.

Leopold’s normally confident facade crumbled upon seeing Percival.

Awkwardly straightening up, he thought, of course, who else but Vivienne and Percival, the dynamic duo, could be behind him? No one else would dare to mess with him. He should have known better than to get involved with this mess.

Ever since they got married, Percival had been getting more and more possessive.

“Vivienne?” Maddox called out from the doorway, having watched the trio for a while.

Noticing the three of them chatting in the yard, instead of coming inside and suspecting something was up, he stepped out, “Why aren’t you coming in? Dinner’s ready; we’re just waiting on you and Percival.”

“And me, don’t forget about me,” Leopold interjected, not willing to be left out.

Having taken his lumps and noted his grievances, he was determined to partake in the meal today, or it would be a total loss.

replied indifferently, stepping aside to let them in. “Dad had the chef prepare your favorite dish, Vivienne. You’ve

was Vivienne’s and Karen’s first family gathering since acknowledging their relationship, and the grand dining room brimmed

people present were the core members of the Perez family and their

his

observed with warmth as he looked

seated to his left, reassured him, “Don’t worry, Dad.

chimed in, “That’s right, Dad. We should be happy that they found their way back to

for Jasper, “Dad, it’s a day for celebration. I know Sasha said you shouldn’t drink, but let’s

am,” Vivienne

grin, “Just one drink, one drink. Don’t worry, Vivienne. I’ll make sure Dad doesn’t have any more

guilty, sycophantic demeanor would have had his subordinates roaring with laughter

table seemed to think anything was amiss. Alice Churchill, Fredrick’s patient wife, rolled her eyes at him, “You’re hopeless, Fredrick. Don’t worry, Vivienne.

the only bachelor at the table, his voice booming with

cool glance swept over to him,

eye on everyone at the

over the family business, they had all

seemed to have a

were still fresh.

She sat next to Percival, flanked by the family’s two youngest

kids adored Vivienne and chatted with her incessantly,

bean pastry in the child’s hand was squished beyond

accepted

but Vivienne waved her off, “It’s