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."

with blood trickling from the corners of her mouth and fists clenched, made her forced

the video went live, the internet exploded with

apology. Thought she'd hide away

apology ever. She doesn't value human life. Deserves jail, not

her, Sasha. She's

isn't enough. Let's make this viral, expose

clenched if

last look?

the War God super sweet together? Love

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

lifting her into his arms, reassured, "Never. You always

his shoulder. "Dad's still

off. "Carry

"Neither

gulped. "So, I can

feared the wrath of Alyssa, reduced to seeking

gesture, Yorick ordered Alyssa to be dragged away.

the Linklater household dwindled to

finishing her milk, casually probed, "Did we

waiting for the fish

wife and

be bothered

she doubted

a call, the voice on