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.

a diamond-studded wedding dress, sat calmly by the bedside, her gaze fixed on the assortment

been woken up at 5 AM. After hours of makeup and dressing, she hadn't even

she joked to herself, she might faint from low blood sugar

downstairs, her bridesmaids, Charlotte and

Vivienne? Are they here already?

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

missed Anna. That girl wouldn't have said a word

flustered friends, Vivienne offered them

in unison, "How can you

baffled by

eating was a crime on her wedding

the sound of footsteps approached the

echoed, "Vivienne, I'm

Mr. Wolf's voice, Vivienne promptly replied,

Griffin scrambled behind the door, gesturing frantically,

Vivienne was speechless.

ones scared, they were the ones

have a profound misunderstanding of the role of

they stick to

Charlotte and Griffin were debating how to demand a cash gift, two

followed, "A

Charlotte, "..."

Griffin, "..."

would just show they were ill-mannered

Percival, his gaze fixed on

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

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

left the room, oblivious to the others

its way to Percival held

vently, as if

hand

wne

never wa let

him, "Mr. Wolf,

his furrowed brow

"Boom!"

loud explosion sounded