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!"

my spine. Is

Lock her up

this? I bet even the servants in

laughter filled the room, a sound that chilled to the

this is what you get for competing with

people think of the War God, you'll be nothing but a stain

shame; you'll

knock interrupted her thoughts, and Alyssa, with

blooming flower, smiling as she spoke in a soft voice, "Congratulations, sister. It seems your trip with Winston was a success!" Alyssa stood

giggling, "Seeing sister's plan coming to fruition, I

smiled, "Don't worry, Brianna. I haven't

then, a phone rang

a call, Brianna. We'll catch up later,

her face alight with joy as she continued to browse through the overwhelmingly negative comments about

feel now, triumphant? My brother and Sasha might not

I haven't forgotten the favor you've done me.

Linklater family, he was willing to aid Alyssa, needing only the final push to seal their fate.

the recording equipment and software

meet?

a brief agreement, Dracon

booth for their meeting, ensuring

arrival, Alyssa's guard

and hooded, concealing

the secrecy for meeting me? Are you still

chuckled, amused