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 of nuts and snacks beside her, popping them into her mouth one after

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

something soon, she joked to herself, she might faint from low blood sugar before exchanging

her bridesmaids, Charlotte and

do we do, Vivienne? Are they here

returning from the window, swallowed hard, "Me too. I just saw Leopold. What if they really storm in? Do we stop them or not?" Vivienne,

Anna. That girl wouldn't have said a

offered them each a date, "Want something

"How can you still

was baffled by their sudden

eating was a crime

the sound of footsteps

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

Wolf's voice, Vivienne promptly replied,

scrambled behind the door, gesturing frantically, "He can't

Vivienne was speechless.

ones scared,

misunderstanding of the role

stick to this

were debating how to demand

followed, "A million each,

Charlotte, "..."

Griffin, "..."

just show they

opened to reveal Percival, his

the diamonds painstakingly attached by him, but it was Vivienne's radiant smile that captured all his attention. No gown could outshine the joy on

eyes met, and Vivienne's face lit up brilliantly, while Percival, filled with happiness, took her hand tenderly, "Vivienne, come with

the room, oblivious to the

procession made its way

as if clutching

hand

wne

treasure, never wa

reassured him, "Mr.

his

"Boom!"

sounded just