The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

As soon as Vivienne descended the stairs, her ears caught wind of the unfolding drama. A sly glimmer crossed her eyes. This was a spectacle she wouldn't miss for the world. Just as Alyssa lowered her gaze, Vivienne interjected, "Hold up there!"

Approaching Alyssa, Vivienne crouched slightly, looking down at her. Her tone was casual but carried an undeniable chill. "Words alone don't cut it. Best to make things a bit more... concrete." Alyssa eyed Vivienne warily. "What are you up to?"

Vivienne's lips curled into a cold smile. "Just returning the favor. You tarnished my mom's reputation online with that video. It's only fair I do the same to you."

With that, Vivienne whipped out her smartphone, angling it at Alyssa's face, searching for the perfect shot.

Just then, a figure caught her eye. Turning around, she gestured, "Dracon's got a knack for photography. Why don't we let him shoot this video!"

Dracon froze. "Me?"

He was clueless about what had gone down the moment he stepped in.

His expression darkened upon seeing Alyssa on the ground.

Alyssa's gaze, fiery and vengeful, turned towards him. Dracon instinctively stepped back, blurting out, "Dad..."

Yorick slapped him across the face. "Dad? Just shoot the damned video. Don't make me remind you of your last mess-up. If you dare side with outsiders against your own family again, I'll break your legs." Arthur chimed in coldly, "You refusing to shoot? Or have you been secretly dealing with Alyssa behind our backs?"

Dracon's eyes widened in denial. "No, I haven't!"

Arthur snorted. "Then get that video on the internet, and don't let me catch you playing both sides."

Trembling, Dracon complied.

Vivienne patted his shoulder after the deed. "Make sure this hits the web. I'm eager to see the reaction."

from the corners of her

live, the internet exploded

Thought

apology ever. She doesn't value human

forgive her, Sasha.

Let's

if you're

that last look?

the War God super sweet

buzz, Sasha turned to Arthur, a mock hurt in her voice, "Am I really that much

arms, reassured, "Never. You always stand tall in my

Sasha playfully slapped his

"Carry on,

added, "Neither did

"So, I can

Alyssa, reduced to seeking

Yorick ordered Alyssa to be

Linklater household dwindled to just

finishing her milk, casually probed, "Did we get

subtly. "Just waiting for

left out, whined, "My wife and daughter, always plotting

couldn't be bothered to

set, she doubted the fox could resist

call, the voice on