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.

gaze fixed on the assortment of nuts and snacks beside her, popping them into

been woken up at 5 AM. After hours

joked to herself, she

downstairs, her bridesmaids, Charlotte and Griffin, became visibly

Vivienne? Are they here already? I'm so

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

That girl wouldn't have said

them each a date, "Want

"How can you still eat at a time

was baffled by their sudden

eating was a

the sound of

echoed, "Vivienne, I'm here to

Vivienne promptly replied, "Come

scrambled behind the door, gesturing frantically, "He

Vivienne was speechless.

ones scared,

have a profound misunderstanding

stick to

how to demand a cash gift, two

"A million each, spend

Charlotte, "..."

Griffin, "..."

just

reveal Percival, his

him, but it was Vivienne's radiant smile that captured all his attention. No gown could outshine

lit up brilliantly, while Percival, filled with happiness, took her hand tenderly, "Vivienne, come with me."

oblivious to the others

the procession made its way to Percival

as if clutching

hand

wne

never wa let

reassured him, "Mr. Wolf,

his furrowed brow

"Boom!"

explosion sounded just