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?"

was clear they shared the same goal, yet Brianna seemed only interested in pushing

"Let's agree then,

solemnly, signaling Brianna to

The Linklater Estate.

and Percival had been out late, finalizing details

involved in setting up their home, believing it was important for them to do it together, and also as an excuse

goodbye at the

was greeted by Yorick, who seemed to have been waiting for her, "Vivienne, your great-aunt can be quite the character; don't take her words to heart. As

was about to

She craved the family connection she had missed in her

of the Linklater family, she wasn't willing to compromise herself for them. She'd

While he was saddened by his perceived lack of importance to Vivienne, he didn't know her true

suggested, "Grandpa, you should rest. Staying up late isn't good for your

the cold winter of his life, "Having a granddaughter really is different," Yorick mused, reflecting on

hoped that