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!"

down my spine. Is this how a so-called genius

police! Lock her up

in the Linklater family couldn't stand

filled the room, a sound that chilled to the bone, her eyes gleaming

get for competing with me

When people think of the War

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

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

a blooming flower, smiling as 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

covered her mouth, giggling, "Seeing sister's plan coming to fruition, I thought

worry, Brianna. I

a phone rang

call, Brianna. We'll catch up later, and I'll take you shopping. Pick whatever you like." Brianna, ever astute, understood the importance of

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

triumphant? My brother and Sasha might not

done me. Is there a way

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 in person

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

meet?

agreement, Dracon ended

chosen a private booth

arrival, Alyssa's guard

fully masked and

"Dracon, why all the secrecy for meeting me?

chuckled, amused