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.

the chef prepare your favorite dish, Vivienne. You’ve been so busy lately; you need to

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

day off, so the only people present were the core members of the Perez family and their special friends, like Richard

Leopold, who had shamelessly squeezed his way in

he looked around at the gathered family, missing only

him, “Don’t worry, Dad. With Vivienne

We should be happy that they found their way back

day for celebration. I know Sasha said you shouldn’t drink,

am,” Vivienne said with a

her words, managing a sheepish grin, “Just one drink, one drink. Don’t worry, Vivienne. I’ll make sure Dad doesn’t have any more after

had his subordinates roaring with laughter if they’d

think anything was amiss. Alice Churchill, Fredrick’s patient wife, rolled her eyes at him, “You’re hopeless, Fredrick. Don’t worry, Vivienne. I’m here, and I won’t

laughed Maddox, the only bachelor at the table, his voice booming

to him, but Maddox showed no sign

quietly matched him drink for drink while keeping an eye on everyone at the table. Seeing Fredrick’s menacing look, he sent a sympathetic look

took over the family business, they had all

Maddox seemed to have

howls were still fresh. Now, he had

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

and chatted with her incessantly,

the child’s

Zelda, their mother, cringed at the sight, Vivienne accepted it

but Vivienne waved her off, “It’s okay, Aunt Zelda. I