The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Alyssa had managed to keep her cool since Brianna walked in, but Brianna's final words shattered her composure. Hate flared in her eyes, and she clenched her fists so tightly that her nails broke the skin, yet she felt nothing. "It's all because of Sasha and Vivienne. They've made me a laughingstock, tarnished my image in Arthur's eyes. He was so cold to me in front of everyone."

Brianna patted Alyssa on the shoulder, her tone probing, "So, Alyssa, what's your next move?"

Alyssa sighed heavily, her voice softening, "Granddad warned me to behave, to avoid causing another scandal that would disgrace the Wright family... or else..."

"Look, Alyssa, Granddad just doesn't want another scandal. Just make sure your plans are foolproof, and he won't have a reason to come after you," Brianna advised.

Alyssa pondered for a moment, her gaze dark and indecisive, "Why don't you just spell out why you're here?"

Brianna couldn't hide her true intentions any longer, her face a mix of genuine and feigned sorrow, "Alyssa, I ran into Vivienne, and, believe it or not, I found myself in a similar mess. Those two, mother and daughter, they really know how to pick their targets."

Alyssa's brows knitted together, her posture straightening as she dragged her feet, causing her ankle bracelet to chime, "Vivienne dares to cross you because she's Arthur's daughter."

Brianna, anxious, urged, "Then why not win Arthur back? Once he marries Sasha, you'll have lost him for good!"

Alyssa bit her lip, fully aware of Brianna's intentions, "Don't you want to get your revenge?"

Brianna seemed only interested in pushing Alyssa to act, a fact not lost on

then, we'll plot

nodded solemnly, signaling Brianna to be at

The Linklater Estate.

had been out late, finalizing

believing it was important for them to

the Linklater Estate's doorstep

waiting for her, "Vivienne, your great-aunt can be quite the character; don't take her words to

been out all day, possibly avoiding coming home. He was so worried he was about to send people out to look for her. Hearing Yorick's reassurance, Vivienne was momentarily taken aback, having almost forgotten the incident, "I wasn't bothered,

much. She craved the family connection she had missed in her youth, respecting Yorick

she wasn't willing

were mixed. While he was saddened by his perceived lack of importance to Vivienne, he didn't know her true feelings. He

Yorick's stance, gently suggested, "Grandpa, you should rest. Staying up

warmed Yorick's heart, making him feel cherished in the cold winter of his life, "Having a granddaughter really is different," Yorick

hoped that