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.

escape Hailey's meddling, Vivienne

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

was

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

targeting Vivienne

eyes when unnoticed; the old man was clearly biased, always siding with his brother's

if she hadn't

enjoying the turmoil. Indeed, his aunt shouldn't let Vivienne off easily

your age, you should be enjoying

expression darkened, "Arthur, are you saying you're not happy

responded indifferently, "You're my aunt,

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 her elder? It's a significant event; her not

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

The prosperity of the Linklater family

acknowledged her. I haven't even had the heart to scold her yet,

lifted his eyelids

nor cold,

status is all thanks to my efforts. If my daughter sleeping in could ruin that, then let her sleep.

glanced at Arthur, a smile playing

How dashing!

since she'd seen him

man she

deepening as she slowly said, "I was merely offering a

home. If it means the Linklater family falls, I'll

face was a study in

brother to be so protective

three brothers, only Vivienne was a child of their blood. Yorick and his

with the youngest brother uninterested in family affairs, the future leadership seemed destined

could that

sake of the Linklater estate. Hand it over to someone else on a silver platter? In his

"Don't mind him, Hailey. Arthur's just got that kind of temper. He's finally found his daughter and, naturally, he's treating her like