The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The group froze at the news, and Mara gasped, unable to contain herself, “How could you be so heartless?” “Only now, you notice?” Vivienne glanced sideways at Mara with a haunting gaze.

Mara felt a chill run down her spine from that look, and she stumbled backward, accidentally knocking over a glass of water on the table behind her. Clad only in her skin, she felt a bone-chilling cold envelop her.

Mara’s mishap drew everyone's attention to her, but suddenly, a piercing scream from Wendy cut through the room.

“Ah!” Teresa and Nancy turned to look and instantly went pale.

They backed away rapidly, pointing at Vivienne with trembling voices, “You, you... you actually dared!” None of them had expected Vivienne to actually go through with it - to sever Wendy's hand without warning before they could even react.

Moreover, Vivienne’'s method was cunning; the blood sprayed onto them.

Vivienne just glanced at them indifferently, tossing Wendy's severed hand their way, her smile receding into a cold detachment. “You like to Photoshop? Keep this hand and Photoshop to your heart's content.” Wendy, clutching her stump, almost passed out from the pain. She glared at Vivienne, her face twisted with rage. “Vivienne, I'll never forgive you for this!” With a faintly amused smile, Vivienne responded coolly, “I'll be waiting! Remember, catdirectly next time, and you might meet a quicker end. If you lay a finger on Mrs. Cecilia or Mr. Wolf, the wolves outside will be your final resting place.” With that, Vivienne turned and left. a Downstairs, Percival was the only one there.

Seeing Vivienne, he stood up and wrapped his arms around her waist, his voice soft, “All taken care of?” Vivienne hummed in affirmation, then looked up at Percival, “I took a hand from the old lady. Will that upset you, Mr. Wolf?” Percival tucked a stray lock of her hair behind her ear and said gently, “A hand is too lenient. I'd take both.” The idea that someone would Photoshop his little girl naked was enough to incite his wrath.

If Cecilia knew, she would have said, “All you care about is your little girl? | was Photoshopped, too!” Vivienne laughed. “She’s old. | left her a hand to eat with.” Percival pinched her nose affectionately, “My Vivienne is so kind.” Vivienne's smile brightened, “Mr. Wolf, you have good taste!” Percival chuckled; he was fond of how his little girl acted all cute after getting the upper hand.

After splayful banter, Vivienne suggested, “Shall we go?” Percival nodded, and they left together, his arms around her waist.

Outside, Vivienne did not see the Boyd men and asked, “Where did they go?” “They're streaking downtown!” Vivienne grinned, “Mr. Wolf, you're so bad... but I like it!” Percival whispered in her ear, “Bad boys get the love. I've got worse in store. Want to try, Vivienne?” Vivienne was speechless.

That man was relentless in his teasing! In the car.

Percival buckled Vivienne’s seat belt and asked, “Heading home?” Vivienne shook her head. “Taketo Uncle Maddox.” Half an hour later, Percival dropped Vivienne off at the café and waited outside.

Inside the café.

Maddox sat by the window, dressed to the nines, his presence drawing gazes from all around.

Although nearing forty, his dashing appearance rivaled any young man’s.

Jasper often said that Maddox was the Perez family’s only black sheep, all show and no substance.

Of course, Maddox disagreed. He saw himself as pure gold, inside and out.

“Vivienne, I'm here!” As soon as Vivienne entered, Maddox stood and waved.

Vivienne walked over, eyeing Maddox's flamboyant attire. Only he would dress so boldly.

Maddox preened, “What brings you here? Run out of cash? Here, take this.” He handed a credit card from his wallet, saying, “Dad cut off my supplementary card. This is all | can give you now.” Vivienne glanced at the credit card on the table, a gold card from Sea City Bank, a privilege not even the Boyds or the Ashfords could claim.

“I have enough money. | cto ask you to look at this.” She pushed the credit card back and took out a notebook.

It contained all the details of a contract she had seen in the Boyd family, memorized word for word, and handed to Maddox.

Maddox looked surprised. “Where did you find this contract?” Vivienne had not used the contract's format, yet Maddox recognized it as a contract, which meant he was familiar with the content.

“The Boyd Mansion.” Maddox let out a cold laugh, “They're still hung up on this?” “Uncle, what is this?” Vivienne asked.

Maddox dropped his carefree demeanor and pressed Vivienne’s notebook to the table, “Vivienne, you know about the ancient warrior lineage, don’t you?” Vivienne nodded. “I've heard a bit about it but never delved too deep.” “The Boyds,” Maddox said, “they were once an ancient warrior lineage.” That took Vivienne by surprise.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

As far as she knew, when it cto ancient warrior lineages, only the Martinezes and the Perezes were on the radar. She had never imagined that the unassuming Boyds could also hail from such a noble bloodline. No wonder they had a so-called heirloom ring to prove the head of the family’s legitimacy.

Cecilia had not shared much with her about the Boyd family, and information on the ring was even scarcer. All Vivienne knew was that the ring held sway over the Boyds, ensuring their compliance.

Albeit, not an absolute compliance.

But what did Maddox mean by “once”? “Did the Boyds leave the ranks of the ancient warrior lineages?” Vivienne inquired.

Maddox wagged a finger. “More like they were cast out for turning their backs during a crisis, choosing self- preservation over loyalty to the brotherhood. They were stripped of their status and expelled, but no one expected that they would take the concept of bionics with them.” Vivienne furrowed her brows.

Bionics had been a topic of discussion among the ancient warrior lineages long ago? Maddox continued, “The Martinezes, you know, they've always been weapon smiths, and that girl, Griffin, is a veritable prodigy with arms. Each family had its trade; bionics was an idea pitched by the Perezes. But the technology was not there back then, so it never took off. And the Boyds? They lacked the resources, so there was no progress for years.

After the Boyds were ousted, their patriarch died within a year, and the next generation lacked initiative.

Gradually, their family’s fortunes waned, leading to their current state of obscurity. Who would've thought they'd still be chasing bionic dreams?”