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.

might escape Hailey's

much Hailey despised being slighted in matters of homecoming; she'd surely make life 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, and with none of his three sons previously having children of

Hailey was another

had always had her way in the household, and he had previously held his tongue out of

now that she was targeting Vivienne and Sasha, he

but roll his eyes when unnoticed; the old man was clearly biased, always siding with his brother's family no matter what!

hadn't heard

the turmoil. Indeed, his aunt shouldn't let Vivienne off easily - it was time someone put that little upstart in

you should be enjoying life, not

are you saying you're not happy to see me

"You're my

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 her elder? It's a

family's image. Her lack of manners, how

The prosperity of the Linklater family should not be tarnished by her lack

what of it? She's my daughter, and I've just acknowledged her. I haven't even had the heart to scold her yet, and outsiders dare to judge? Are they slapping me in the

lifted his eyelids

warm nor cold,

efforts. If my daughter

Arthur, a smile playing on her

How dashing!

a while since she'd seen him exude such a

man she

stiffened, her eyes deepening as she slowly said, "I was merely

she pleases in her own home. If it means the Linklater family falls, I'll rebuild it for her!" Hailey was left speechless

a study in

to

child of their blood. Yorick and his elder brother had always looked down on

family affairs, the future leadership seemed destined

could that

old man, all for the sake of the Linklater estate. Hand

Hailey. Arthur's just got that kind of temper.