The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Asher quirked an eyebrow. His voice always softened when he spoke to beautiful women. "Madeline, you sure have a way with words that Gavin lacks. But my mind's made up. Tell Gavin to get his act together. Don't worry about me. I'm not after any secret recipe. Truth be told, I've got a bone to pick with Vivienne. This time, I'm going after her!"

Sophie sashayed into the room. "Dad, just say yes. Mr. Grimshaw wants to lend a hand. With the Ellingtons backing Vivienne, it wouldn't hurt to have more muscle on our side, right?"

She placed a plate of pastries in front of Asher, her eyes shy and flirty. "Mr. Grimshaw, I made these treats myself. They're best enjoyed with a cup of coffee. Please, have a taste." Asher's gaze lingered briefly on Sophie's face, clearly seeing through her manipulations and seduction.

His lips curved into a subtle smirk, casting a meaningful glance at the frowning Gavin as he picked a pastry. "Not bad at all. Gavin, your wife is thoughtful, and your daughter has skills. You're one lucky guy." Gavin managed a forced smile. "You're flattering me. Please, eat as much as you'd like."

His eyes darkened as they swept over Sophie and Madeline. "Since you're so set on going, I'll round up some extra men. Once we've got Vivienne, you can do as you please with her."

In the quiet suburb of Rivenwood, Vivienne had notified Gavin of the new meeting time, considering they still had a court session to attend.

In a secluded forest stood a dilapidated factory, where Vivienne, clad in black leather, her hair pulled into a high ponytail, stood guard beside Kaitlyn like the most devoted bodyguard, flanked by ten young men in black hoodies, each exuding a chilling aura that made Asher and his crew hesitate for a moment upon entering.

Asher's pride was wounded, and his face darkened as he locked his venomous gaze on Vivienne, never wavering.

Vivienne, oblivious to the tension, looked past Asher to Gavin, her voice icy, "Gavin, did you bring it?"

Gavin's face was stone cold. "I should be asking you that, Ms. Hawthorn. Where's the secret recipe?"

Vivienne lightly shook the wooden box in Kaitlyn's hands, drawing everyone's attention.

Her lips curled into a taunting smile. "Where's my item?"

Asher, annoyed by Vivienne's youthful yet unflappable demeanor, scoffed and gestured. Then a man approached carrying two urns.

"Ms. Hawthorn, sometimes I really admire your confidence. But tell me, what makes you think you can negotiate with us now?"

suddenly, "Hand it over now, or

box, and took out an aged piece

when a bright red glow and the dance of flames caught everyone's

orange hue hovered beneath the paper as Vivienne held it there, causing Gavin and Asher's hearts to leap into

"You're mad!"

fearless, Vivienne taunted, "Wouldn't it

flames inched closer to

provoke her? Haven't been put

held them aloft. "Trying to threaten me? You're still wet behind the ears. Hand over the goods, or I swear, I'll scatter these ashes

down her

brows twitched,

teeth in frustration as she handed over the secret recipe to Asher's smug grin. "Here, take it, and give

suddenly feigned outrage as if he were a master of disguise. "You cunning Vivienne, giving us a fake recipe and expecting the ashes in return?

want her interrogated at the

"Yes, sir!"

think you can capture me? Let's see if

won't escape. The Grimshaw dungeons are

dodged the

Whoosh!

silver

the side, rolling to a corner of the factory, his men scattering in all

once tightly sealed, was now wide open to Vivienne and her

in rage, "Idiots! Who told you to

dare to speak. Silently, he tucked away the barely perceptible chill in his eyes, huddled in a corner, watching the