The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Theodore’s family hustled into the decontamination room, shedding their day clothes and embracing the sterility of the room. Yannick’s tantrum was still echoing through the halls, a lingering reminder of the tension that had gripped the household.

Hayden's family stood back, observing the scene unfold with a wary detachment. They waited until Theodore’s family emerged, and Theodore restored to his usual calm demeanor before they ventured into the room themselves.

It was just a matter of a bath and a change of clothes, they reasoned, a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Before Hayden's daughter, Mara stepped into the chamber, she smiled enthusiastically at her cousin, Percival.

“Percival, wait for me. We'll catch up properly once I'm done,” she said.

Percival managed a weary nod in response, his expression softening at the sight of his cousin.

Vivienne was not surprised. On the way over, Percival mentioned that Mara was the only one still in touch with Cecilia. Their bond had only grown stronger since their studies together in Rivenwood, and Mara had always been the little sister who idolized Percival the most.

When Isolde was born, Mara had even sent a gift—a delicate gold bracelet.

In Percival’s eyes, Mara was the only Boyd worth acknowledging as family. The two of them had even recognized each other as brother and sister.

Eliza followed the others into the decontamination room, silently taking her turn without comment.

The Boyd family members eventually all gathered together. Mara enveloped Percival in a tight hug. “Percival, it's been too long. I've missed you so much. You never textback.” “I've been busy,” Percival replied, subtly stepping back to create sdistance between them, his eyes darting to Vivienne as if seeking understanding.

Vivienne simply arched an eyebrow, choosing to remain a.

“I thought you wouldn't arrive until tomorrow. Had | known, | would've returned tonight to have dinner with you,” Mara said, her voice chipper. It was clear she was the most joyful member of the Boyds.

“We were waiting for everyone to cback for dinner,” Percival said, flashing a knowing smile.

Mara glanced at Wendy, sighing helplessly.

Grandma was playing her old tricks again, as predictable as ever.

Theodore cleared his throat, relieved to find his voice working again, and said, “We've already eaten outside, and the Boyds don’t usually do suppers. You two will have to wait until tomorrow to eat together.” His wife, Teresa, said, “Right, it’s late, Mom. Lethelp you to bed.” Wendy stood up gracefully. “Sure, let's head back. Percival, your rooms are downstairs by the staircase. You must be tired after the flight. Get srest, and the rest of you should do the same.” Mara bristled at the slight. “Grandma, the space under the stairwell is for the nanny. You can’t expect Percival to sleep there.” Before Wendy could respond, Yannick retorted with a sneer, “Then why don’t you give up your room to your darling brother? Always causing trouble.” “Yannick, nobody would mistake you for mute if you stayed quiet,” Mara snapped coldly.

“Enough! You two stop bickering. Don’t you see Grandma wants to rest?” Theodore scolded, ready to ascend the stairs.

Hayden's family and Eliza rose to their feet but remained hesitant.

They had a feeling things were not going to be so straightforward.

Vivienne’s soft call, “Leaving?” stopped Theodore’s family and Wendy in their tracks, a cold sweat breaking out on their brows.

Vivienne tilted her head, annoyance creeping into her voice. “The head of the household hasn't eaten yet, and you want to rest? Are the Boyds’ rules so easily forgotten?” She did not relish using her authority to intimidate.

But it seemed swere determined to test her patience.

Wendy's eyes flickered with malice before she subdued it. “We didn’t mean any disrespect. It's just that... | am getting on in years...” Before she could finish, Vivienne stood up and surveyed the room. “Where's the dining area?” She asked Mara.

Mara pointed to the left. “It's there, but... it’s so late, and we don’t have much food prepared. How will we eat?” Vivienne’s lips pressed into a thin line. “There’s a deliveryin Veridia. You mean to tellthe Boyds don’t know about it?” The Boyds stood silently, insulted by the implication of their ignorance.

Vivienne's gaze swept over them as she flatly stated, “You will join us for dinner.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

With that, she took Percival’s arm and swanned into the prseat at the dining table.

The Boyds wanted to object, but Vivienne’s regal presence and recent events forced them to swallow their protests.

However, as they watched Vivienne claim the head of the table, they exchanged uneasy glances. Where were they supposed to sit now? Then, as if on cue, Wendy and Theodore’s family - the first branch, moved like marionettes, taking their places at the dining table.

With the seniors leading by example, Hayden's family - the second branch, and Eliza had no choice but to follow.

Soon, the beleaguered butler arrived with bags full of ingredients and barbecue fare.

Vivienne was determined to have a spicy feast in the Boyd Mansion! With her advanced age and health-conscious diet, Wendy was appalled by the greasy spread before her. The others, too full from their earlier meal, struggled to hold back vomiting with the idea of eating again.

Yet, cutlery in hand, Vivienne watched them with a chilling smile. “Not hungry?” Her smile held a frosty edge, a silent warning to those who dared defy her.

Theodore’s hands moved as if possessed, stuffing bite after bite of succulent grilled meat and sautéed veggies into his mouth. The rest of the first branch was doing the same.

Even Wendy was methodically munching away, bite after bite.

Seeing this, the rest of the family reluctantly joined in.

But the food seemed endless. No sooner had they cleared a platter of steaks than another was set down in its place.

Then, it escalated. Baked, fried, grilled - you nit, it was served.

Each person also had a heaping bowl of mashed potatoes and a side of garlic bread placed before them.

Vivienne's dazzling eyes swept over everyone. “The new house rule,” she announced brightly, “is no leftovers at dinner.” She and Percival had gone all day without food, so this feast was nothing to them.

But it felt like torture for the rest of the Boyds, who had eaten their fill.

During the meal, Eliza and Nancy dashed to the bathroom to throw up, only to return and continue eating.

They had hoped to appeal to Wendy for srelief, but she kept eating, so they could not very well stop.

Finally, after they had managed to clear the table, Vivienne casually handed out super-sized milkshakes to everyone.

The overly sweet milkshake and their already bursting bellies were almost too much to bear.

Vivienne, holding her milkshake, smiled and said cheerily. “We can’t waste food.”