The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

All of this felt like a dream to Vivienne.

She pondered if only in a harmonious household like the Perez's, such an event could unfold without rousing suspicion among the other members.

Uncle Luke indeed had a heart big enough to embrace the entire Perez family.

"Getting married tomorrow, feeling nervous?"

Sasha suddenly popped the question.

Vivienne calmly responded, "Not at all."

Sasha smirked, "Wasn't talking to you, but about the one who's been counting days on the phone."

Vivienne, "..."

Tradition kept her from seeing Mr. Wolf until the wedding day, adding to his anxiety, palpable even through their nightly phone calls.

Sighing, she stood up, "Mom, you really should stop eavesdropping."

Sasha muttered, "Wasn't eavesdropping. You were the one speaking so loudly..."

As Vivienne turned to leave, Sasha's tone grew serious, "Something's not right. Be prepared for a tough day tomorrow."

Vivienne paused, "My wedding will happen, no one can stop it."

"Oh, and..."

Vivienne suddenly turned back, "Remember to invite Winston from the Wright family tomorrow. We missed him at your and dad's wedding. He's held onto that; let's not forget this time." Sasha was taken aback, realizing she had indeed forgotten.

Back in her room, Vivienne received a call from Draven.

"Young master, we've located Hunter. He was seen near Jericho Isle with an unidentified woman."

Jericho Isle, a woman.

Vivienne's eyes narrowed with determination, and she instructed Draven, "Notify the Nine Mystics Society. Everyone's on standby tomorrow."

She was resolved to deal with unfinished business once and for all.

The wedding day dawned with a procession from the Ellington family arriving at the Linklater residence. Percival, in a bespoke suit, entered with his groomsmen, Leopold and Thomas, by his side. Meanwhile, upstairs.

bedside, her gaze fixed on the assortment

AM. After hours of makeup and dressing, she hadn't even

herself, she might

chatter downstairs, her bridesmaids,

nervously, "What do we do, Vivienne? Are they here

I just saw Leopold. What if they really storm in? Do we stop

suddenly missed Anna. That girl wouldn't have

friends, Vivienne offered them

in unison, "How can you

was baffled by their sudden

was a crime on

sound of footsteps approached the

deep voice echoed, "Vivienne, I'm here to

Vivienne

the door,

Vivienne was speechless.

the ones scared, they were

a profound misunderstanding of the role

stick to this

and Griffin were debating how to demand a cash gift, two credit cards slid under

voice followed, "A million each,

Charlotte, "..."

Griffin, "..."

just show they were ill-mannered

reveal Percival, his gaze fixed

was Vivienne's radiant smile that captured all his attention. No

Vivienne's face lit up brilliantly, while Percival, filled with

room, oblivious to the others

made its way to Percival held

vently, as if clutching

hand

wne

never wa

reassured him, "Mr. Wolf, it's

but his furrowed brow

"Boom!"

sounded just