The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Maddox was nodding so much it looked like his head might fall off.

Everyone else just stared in disbelief.

Vivienne couldn't help but mock, "How can Uncle Max shamelessly cling to Aunt Willa like that?"

Arthur chimed in, "Exactly! What kind of man hides behind his wife? It's embarrassing."

Vivienne retorted, "Like you're one to talk."

Arthur was left speechless.

The three Thompson brothers looked at Maddox with a mix of complexity and disdain.

Luke could barely eat, "Willa, we don't need this guy. I'll find someone better for you, someone smart who won't hold you back."

Fredrick, with the finesse of a magician, flicked a piece of fruit from the table, hitting Maddox squarely, "Stop sticking to Willa like glue. You're annoying."

Maddox's face was a mess of fruit juice.

He turned to Willa, playing the victim, "Willa, Fred is bullying me."

Fredrick rolled his eyes, hating snitches the most.

Jasper shot Maddox a warning look, "Cut it out. Don't you dare hurt Willa."

Seeing Maddox's pathetic state only made them feel more pity for Willa.

They thought anyone off the street would be better than him for their precious Willa.

Willa, feeling the love and care from her big brother, second brother, and youngest brother, felt warm inside. She knew her place in the family was no secret, but they never treated her differently. Instead, they cherished her as their own sister.

in childhood memories until Sasha returned, showing

that she owed her life to the Thompson family and should always put their interests first. But this time,

felt like a ray of sunshine piercing through the gloom, encouraging her, "Willa, do what you want to

the first time in front of everyone, Willa spoke her mind, "Dad, big bro, second bro,

was over the moon,

a huge relief visible as he smiled, "Willa, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters. But if this kid ever makes you upset, just tell me, and I'll teach him a

Maddox gulped, nervous.

"That's my

"Dad, I've got some great news. The

Arthur was stunned, "Wife..."

his daughter with a smile, "That's wonderful. Percival is a fine young

left out, "Father-in-law, you're making this hard

and Maddox's decade-long

uncles and aunts were instantly

Maddox under the table, smiled warmly at

getting married! Have you decided on a date? Do you want a traditional or a modern wedding? Where's it

the groom's worry. Our Vivienne just needs to be the beautiful bride and enjoy

nodded, "As her family, we'll bring out our best treasures as wedding

"Weren't we just saying we had nothing

Mr. Wolf and I agreed on

rushed, and we insisted on perfection. Your

and slammed his hand on the table, "Exactly! Sasha and I have only one daughter. We want a grand,

if her wishes

it, the Thompsons would foot the bill. The uncles were adamant

smug, convinced nothing

a cold stare

looked to his wife

reassured, "Frost, your dad and uncles just want your wedding to be perfect. We can take more time to prepare.

half-serious. "You've got a husband, and you still don't need your