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 been so busy

acknowledging their relationship, and the grand dining room

only people present were the core members of the

Leopold, who had shamelessly squeezed his way in for a free

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

worry, Dad. With Vivienne here, Sasha will be just

“That’s right, Dad. We should be happy that

drink for Jasper, “Dad, it’s a day for celebration. I

not here, but I am,” Vivienne said with a smile

one drink. Don’t worry, Vivienne. I’ll make

would have had his subordinates roaring with laughter if they’d

her eyes at him, “You’re hopeless, Fredrick. Don’t worry, Vivienne. I’m here, and

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

him, but Maddox showed no sign of

on everyone at the table.

since Luke took over the family business, they had all grown

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

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

kids adored Vivienne and chatted with her incessantly, offering her their

bean pastry in the

Vivienne accepted it without a

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