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.

passed in a blur, her heart locked in childhood memories until Sasha returned, showing her that it was possible to

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

time in front of everyone, Willa spoke her mind, "Dad, big bro, second bro, and little bro, I chose to be with Max

was over the moon, vigorously nodding in

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 lesson!" Willa nodded, "No need, Dad. If

Maddox gulped, nervous.

"That's my

I've got some great news. The Ellingtons are coming to ask for a

Arthur was stunned, "Wife..."

with a smile, "That's wonderful. Percival is a

you're making

they were getting over Willa and Maddox's decade-long love saga, news of

aunts were

with Maddox under the table, smiled warmly

beaming, "So, Vivienne's getting married! Have you decided on a date? Do

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

best treasures as wedding gifts. Your uncles have

"Weren't we just saying we had nothing to

"Thanks, but Mr. Wolf and I

mother's wedding was rushed, and we insisted on perfection. Your wedding

"Exactly! Sasha and I have only one daughter. We want a grand, dignified wedding for her. We won't accept anything

her wishes were

be grand and magnificent. If the Ellingtons couldn't afford it, the Thompsons would foot the bill. The uncles were adamant that

convinced nothing was impossible with

silent, giving Arthur a cold stare to decipher

looked to his

and uncles just want your wedding to be perfect. We can take more time to prepare. You and Percival aren't

mom!" Sasha exclaimed, half-joking, half-serious. "You've got