The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

At dusk, the fading sunlight filtered through the window, casting a rosy glow on Alyssa's face.

She was hunched over her computer, her gaze venomous, her usually gentle features twisted in malice, growing more ferocious by the minute.

Scrolling through the audio files she had uploaded herself, the internet was in an uproar. The barrage of insults demanded Sasha leave Veridia and forbade her marriage to Arthur, her lips curling into a sinister smile.

Excitement sparkled in her eyes as she prepared to upload a video that would incite even greater outrage among the netizens. If they stormed Arthur and Sasha's wedding tomorrow, how could they possibly go through with it?

The thought only fueled her excitement as she edited a video, dubbing over it with Sasha's voice before releasing it into the wild.

The video showcased the moment Alyssa had fallen into the water while picking lotuses.

With a splash, Alyssa dropped into the water, desperately screaming for help. On the screen, Sasha stood by, utterly indifferent.

The scene shifted to five-year-old Winston hurriedly extending a bamboo pole towards Alyssa, while Sasha remained on the sidelines, seemingly enjoying the spectacle.

In the hospital, Alyssa couldn't hold back her tears as she confronted Sasha, asking why she had acted so cruelly.

Sasha's response was dismissive, countering with scorn that her own happiness was all that mattered.

Soon enough, the online masses couldn't help but flock to the post to leave their comments, filled with righteous indignation and fury.

"First, there's Sasha's audio, now there's video evidence. This is irrefutable proof!"

"Can she even be considered human? She values life so little!"

"To think someone like her dares to marry the War God. I'll personally see to it she pays tomorrow!"

"To be so indifferent towards a child, her malice knows no bounds!"

Is this how a

calling the police! Lock her up and throw away the

recorded this? I bet even the servants in the Linklater family couldn't

filled the room, a sound that chilled to the bone, her eyes gleaming with hatred, relishing in her

what you get for

ruin your reputation, make you despised by everyone. When people think of the War

existence will only bring him shame; you'll never be

her thoughts, and Alyssa,

was a success!" Alyssa stood up, grasping her hand, unable to hide her pride, "Thanks to your advice, Brianna. I couldn't

her mouth, giggling, "Seeing sister's plan coming to fruition, I thought I'd offer my

Brianna. I

then, a phone rang

her face softening in apology to Brianna, "I've got a call, Brianna. We'll catch up later, and I'll take you shopping. Pick whatever you like." Brianna, ever astute, understood the importance of the call and nodded,

alight with joy as she continued to browse through the overwhelmingly

might not even get married tomorrow!" Dracon's voice came from

smile broadened, "Dracon, I haven't forgotten the favor you've done me. Is there a way to ensure their

no secret. To prevent her marriage into the Linklater family, he was willing to aid Alyssa, needing only the final push to seal their fate. Dracon spoke slowly, "I have a plan that could prevent their wedding tomorrow. I have something, but we need to meet

hesitation, Alyssa agreed, "Great, your help with the recording equipment and software

we meet? Send me the

a brief agreement, Dracon ended

had chosen a private booth for

Alyssa's guard

was fully masked and hooded, concealing

his appearance, "Dracon, why all the secrecy for meeting me? Are you still wary

amused by