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.

you too,” Maddox replied indifferently, stepping aside to let them in. “Dad had the chef

first family gathering since acknowledging their relationship, and

so the only people present were the core members

his way in for a

up, our family will truly be complete,” Jasper observed with warmth as he looked around at the gathered family, missing only the comatose Karen

reassured him, “Don’t worry,

should be happy that they found their way back

it’s a day for celebration. I know Sasha

I am,” Vivienne

stiffened at her words, managing a sheepish grin, “Just one drink, one drink. Don’t worry,

had his subordinates

no one at the 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. I’m here, and I won’t let your uncles drink too

it coming,” laughed Maddox, the only bachelor at the table,

swept over to him, but Maddox showed no sign

at the table. Seeing Fredrick’s menacing look,

business, they had all grown

seemed to have a

time he had angered Fredrick, and the echoes of his pained howls were still fresh. Now, he had already forgotten and was making

agree more. She sat next to Percival, flanked by

her incessantly, offering her

green bean pastry in the

Vivienne accepted it without a second thought, “Thank

started to protest, but Vivienne waved her off, “It’s