The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

"Willa, why the heck did you pinch me?" Maddox looked as innocent as a puppy caught chewing on a shoe.

Willa's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red as she glared at him. Her attempt at looking formidable, however, was undermined by an unmistakable hint of bashfulness. "Did you already forget the pep talk I gave you?" Maddox swallowed hard, nodding slightly.

That was all Willa needed to see to know they were in trouble.

Her own choice in a partner, what more could she do?

The two stood under the spotlight, basking in the warmth of everyone's well-wishes.

As the ceremony was drawing to its highlight, Jasper handed Willa a list, "Willa, this is what I gave your sister, Sasha, when she got engaged. I've prepared something similar for you. Let me know if there's anything missing." Being a father and a father-in-law, how could Jasper bear to short-change Willa?

Tears welled up in Willa's eyes as she took the list. Shaking her head, she managed, "Dad, I don't care about those things. I just want to stay by your side, always."

Jasper nodded, visibly moved, gripping Willa's hand, "You're my daughter. I'll treat you no differently. You won't miss out on anything."

Willa pressed her lips together, nodding in agreement.

Maddox, standing beside her, was so touched he was nearly in tears.

Jasper looked at him with mock disdain, "It's not your list, son. What are you crying for?"

Maddox took a deep breath, "Dad, I regret not being born your daughter. I haven't even seen half of these things."

Jasper was momentarily speechless. If it weren't for the solemnity of the occasion, he might have questioned Maddox's common sense.

Sensing Jasper's growing irritation, Maddox hastily wiped away his tear, trying to lighten the mood, "Dad, I was just trying to add a bit of humor... Please, continue."

Jasper couldn't help but roll his eyes.

so attentive and respectful, then back at Maddox, who was all smiles and no sense, Jasper sighed. He knew he had to treat Willa even better from now on, "Maddox, from today onwards, Willa is in your care. If I see her shed a single tear, you'll find yourself

Willa, "Dad, believe me,

the room into an

the family jester, teased, "Maddox, making promises isn't

Willa to the bone, but don't play favorites, or you might find your allowance

and Fredrick didn't say a word, but their amusement was

family affair, and Maddox's ventures were small fry compared to Willa's

wouldn't wait for Jasper to act; they'd resolve it

Willa could

Not

warning look from his eldest brother, Maddox turned, seeking assurance, "Dad, you wouldn't miss my

him a sidelong glance, "Useless. I was managing the entire Perez empire at your age. Only because Willa doesn't mind, you should try to step up." Maddox felt a pang of injustice.

seeking comfort, "Honey, I'll work hard to

heart wasn't in business. Touching his face, she

Perez's vast network, supporting Maddox wouldn't

faltered, seeing something

Maddox so different from Willa's? To

the ceremony, the spotlight was on

Looking up, he kissed her passionately,

reception, Vivienne couldn't help but indulge in a little

the last time she drank

intervene.

his wine, glaring

upstairs. Aunt Maria has prepared a room for you." Fredrick chimed in,

gave him

"Uncle Luke, Uncle Fredrick, I'm

her