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!"

spine. Is this how

the police! Lock her

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

to the bone, her eyes gleaming with hatred, relishing

get for competing with me for

people think of

shame; you'll never be

knock interrupted her thoughts, and Alyssa, with a lift in her

she spoke in a soft voice, "Congratulations, sister. It seems your trip with Winston was a success!" Alyssa stood up, grasping her hand, unable to hide her pride, "Thanks to your advice, Brianna. I couldn't have done it without you. You played a crucial

coming to fruition, I thought

Brianna.

then, a phone

"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

she continued to

brother and Sasha might not even get married tomorrow!" Dracon's voice came

you've done me. Is there a

for Sasha was 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

Alyssa agreed, "Great, your help with the recording equipment and software was invaluable. Sasha wouldn't be facing this backlash

we meet? Send me

a brief agreement,

a private booth for their meeting, ensuring

arrival, Alyssa's

masked and hooded, concealing his

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

amused