The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Hailey's keen gaze swept through every member of the Linklater family, pausing only when she spotted Sasha. Her sharp eyes narrowed slightly, and she pointed at Sasha, "And who might you be in the Linklater family? I don't recall ever seeing you before."

Before Sasha could respond, Yorick interjected, "This is Sasha, the daughter of the Perez family from Sea City and Arthur's fiancée, my future daughter-in-law."

Hailey pondered for a moment, familiar with the Perez family of Sea City, and didn't dwell on it. With a frown, she asked, "So, you're from the Perez family. Are you and Arthur married then? How come you're living here before getting married?"

Arthur's expression darkened, "She's staying with the Linklater family. Do you have a problem with that, Aunt?"

Everyone in the Linklater family tended to give Hailey some respect, except Arthur.

He had never liked this aunt of his.

If it weren't for his grandfather's sake, he wouldn't have bothered greeting her today.

And with his wedding to Sasha on the horizon, he didn't want any unpleasantness to make things difficult for Sasha.

Hailey frowned, her tone displeased, "Arthur, what's this? As your aunt, can't I ask about your bride-to-be?"

Arthur replied coolly, "You can ask, but don't interfere!"

It was a clear warning to Hailey.

Narrowing her eyes, Hailey then turned to Sasha, a cryptic gleam flashing in her gaze.

Nodding slightly, she didn't pursue further, "I heard you have a daughter? I haven't seen her around. Hasn't she moved in with the Linklater family?" This remark was somewhat intriguing.

Not knowing who Sasha was, but aware that Sasha and Arthur had a daughter!

Arthur and Sasha exchanged a glance, smiling but remaining silent.

Dracon watched the scene with schadenfreude.

while Sasha might escape

difficult for Vivienne in the family. "Vivienne is resting. She was tired from the family reunion dinner last night. There will be plenty of time to meet her," Yorick suddenly said. Though advanced in years, Yorick wasn't oblivious, especially regarding the incident where Dracon drugged him; that didn't mean he was foolish. Dracon was his own son,

was

the household, and he had previously held his tongue out of respect for her

targeting Vivienne and Sasha, he wouldn't

with his brother's family no matter what! Despite Yorick's elaborate explanation, Hailey's dissatisfaction

hadn't heard

off easily - it was time someone put that

with a child? At your age, you should

you saying you're not

my aunt,

return? I merely mentioned it, and you respond with such hostility. As a younger member of the family, shouldn't

reply, Hailey continued, "She's a Linklater, representing our family's image. Her lack of

disciplined. The

had the heart

eyelids

nor cold,

family's Current status is all thanks to my efforts. If my daughter sleeping in could ruin that, then let her sleep. I can rebuild that prosperity

glanced at Arthur, a smile playing on her

How dashing!

had been a while since she'd

man

as she slowly said, "I was

authoritatively, "My daughter can do as she pleases in her own home. If it means the Linklater family falls, I'll rebuild it for her!" Hailey was left

a study

hadn't expected his brother to be so

blood. Yorick and his elder

brother uninterested in family affairs, the

that

the years, he'd poured his heart and soul into honoring the old man, all for the sake of the Linklater estate. Hand it

just got that kind of temper. He's finally found his daughter