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."

phone in hand, shakily recorded as Alyssa, with blood trickling from the corners of her mouth and fists clenched,

the video went live, the internet exploded

apology. Thought she'd hide

value human

her, Sasha. She's not

enough. Let's make

so clenched if

that last look? Pure

me, or are Sasha and the War God super sweet

hurt in her voice, "Am I really that much

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

slapped his

waved them off. "Carry on, I

added, "Neither did

gulped. "So, I

feared the wrath of Alyssa, reduced to seeking

Alyssa to be dragged

breakfast, the Linklater household dwindled to just Arthur and his

milk, casually

waiting for the fish to

feeling left out, whined, "My wife and daughter,

be

the bait set, she doubted the fox could resist the

a call, the voice on the