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.

his brother's family, while Sasha might escape Hailey's

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, and with none of his three sons previously having children of their blood, he was inclined to turn a blind

Hailey was another

way in the household, and he had previously

she was targeting Vivienne and Sasha, he wouldn't stand

his brother's family

if she hadn't heard

Vivienne off easily

should be enjoying

"Arthur, are you saying you're not happy

my aunt, of course, you're

daughter sleeping in on the day of my return? I merely mentioned it, and you respond with such hostility. As a younger member of the family, shouldn't she greet

"She's a Linklater, representing our family's image. Her lack of manners, how will outsiders view the

acknowledged into the family means she should be properly disciplined. The prosperity of

She's my daughter, and I've just acknowledged her. I haven't even had the heart to

his eyelids slightly, his

nor cold, "Speaking

daughter sleeping in could ruin that, then let her sleep. I

a smile playing on her

How dashing!

had been a while since she'd seen him exude such

man she

stiffened, her eyes deepening as she slowly said,

Arthur's voice boomed authoritatively, "My daughter can do as she pleases in her own home. If it means the

face was a study

expected his brother to

their blood. Yorick and his elder brother had always looked

brother uninterested in family

could 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 over to someone else

laughter upon hearing this, turning to Hailey, "Don't mind him, Hailey. Arthur's just got that kind of temper. He's finally found his daughter