The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Diana was drenched in cold sweat, barely able to stand on her own. She clung to Zelda, who supported her as they made their way out of the place.

Her mind was a mess.

What was she to do? If Flynn, that lunatic, ever spilled the beans to the Perez family in one of his good moods, she would be left with nothing! Yes, she had to seek out F-Poison. That woman surely had a way to help her! The members of the Perez family piled into their cars. Jasper, worn out, decided to leave early with Diana and Zelda while Yuri took the wheel.

Vivienne naturally ended up riding with Maddox.

Maddox slammed his fist against the steering wheel in frustration. “Damn it, | really want to knock ssense into that nutjob. What's he doing, spouting nonsense in front of the old man?” Vivienne was not as upset.

She had thought Flynn was untouchable, but now it seemed he had a weak spot after all - Willa.

She could not understand it, though. Flynn did not even care about his father, so why would he care about his mentor’s daughter? Could there still be something they did not know about Willa? Willa had grown up with the Perez family. What kind of secret could she possibly have? Plus, her personality was almost the complete opposite of her parents.

And why was Flynn so desperate to see Willa? [x] After returning from the visit to the prison, Diana claimed she was too tired and went straight to her room to rest, locking the door behind her.

Jasper was still worried. “Zelda, is Diana all right?” Zelda shook her head. “She's just a bit shaken up, Dad. Don’t worry, I've saved her sdinner. Let's let her rest for now.” “That's best. Thanks for your help.” Zelda offered a faint smile, her gaze towards Diana’s room dark and unreadable.

She was not particularly close to Diana but knew that Diana was not the type to scare easily. It was just a few words; how could they have shaken her up so badly? That night, Diana slipped out through the back window. Being an adopted daughter of the Perez family, she was well-versed in martial arts.

Since most of the Perez family had already retired for the night and paid no attention to her, nobody noticed her departure.

F-Poison had moved to a new residence, and Diana had to follow the GPS to find her way there.

“What the hell is going on with Flynn? Isn’t he the former F-Poison’s apprentice? Why does he know about Sasha being kidnapped? You better start talking and tellwhat's happening!” Diana demanded as soon as she burst through the door.

F-Poison was in the midst of a peaceful painting session and set down her brush upon hearing Diana’s words.

“Have you met Flynn already?” asked F-Poison.

Frantic, Diana knocked over F-Poison’s brushes in her haste. “Yes, | have. Now tellwhat this is all about!” F-Poison frowned at her toppled brushes, her eyes darkening. “Pick them up.” Diana paused, confused. “What are you talking about? | did what you asked and met with Flynn. You never mentioned he knew about Sasha. You...” Before she could finish, F-Poison grabbed her throat.

“Pick. Them. Up.” F-Poison hissed menacingly.

Struggling to breathe, Diana nodded hurriedly, and F-Poison released her, tossing her to the floor.

Diana obediently gathered the brushes and stepped back. “Can we talk properly now?” “Ms. Perez, take a seat,” F-Poison said with a slight curl of her lips, holding a glass of red wine as she lounged on the sofa.

Diana took a moment to compose herself before sitting down opposite F-Poison.

F-Poison sipped her wine and asked, “Ms. Perez, what exactly did Flynn say? Would you indulge me?” Diana recounted Flynn’s words, not expecting F-Poison to burst into laughter.

After her amusement subsided, F-Poison said, “It seems my hunch was right, Ms. Perez. | can help you deal with Vivienne now.” Diana blinked in surprise. “What are you talking about?” F-Poison’s eyes gleamed. “I'm saying | can help you take care of Vivienne. You don’t want your father to find out who she really is, do you?” “Of course not!” Diana frowned. “But why are you agreeing to this all of a sudden? Are you saying that as long as Flynn is alive, you can help me?” F-Poison nodded. “Exactly. And your father probably already suspects that Vivienne is his biological granddaughter. If we don’t act now, it'll be too late.” “How could that be? Didn't you alter the paternity test for me?” Diana exclaimed in shock.

“Your father isn’t naive. He has his ways. Besides, there's always a difference between biological and adopted children. They share a connection. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so eager to get rid of Vivienne, right?” F-Poison’s words struck a chord with Diana. “How will you help me?” F-Poison produced a packet of powder from a drawer. “Just make Vivienne ingest this, and she’s as good as dead.” Diana scoffed. “Don’t forget, Vivienne is the Specter Healer, capable of mending the dying and the dead. Do you really think such simple poison will work on her?” F-Poison smiled confidently. “This powder is undetectable, even to her.” “Are you that sure?” Diana pressed.

“Absolutely, just as sure as | am that Flynn will never reveal the true story behind Sasha's kidnapping. Are you reassured now?” Diana looked into F-Poison’s masked face, unable to discern her true intentions. But having already chosen to dance with the devil, she had to live with the unsettling risks.

It did not matter. As long as Vivienne could be eliminated, everything else was irrelevant.

Diana grabbed the powder and left.

F-Poison, wine in hand, turned to gaze at her unfinished painting, contemplating her next move.

Long days had passed, and honestly, she could barely remember her own reflection.

She stood up and strode over to the painting, her movements as fluid as the wine from her glass that she splashed across the canvas in a fit of artistic abandon.

Lately, Vivienne had been a regular at the Perez Mansion, checking in on Jasper. She had to take care of his health, sure, but more than that, she wanted to soak up every precious moment with her grandfather.

“Grandpa, Finnian said Mr. Linklater will be coming by later for your check-up. He'll be a while yet,” Vivienne said, smoothing the air around her grandfather with her calm presence.

Jasper grunted in response, “Good, good. It's about t| caught up with Finnian. Last time, the boy flew out of here like a bat out of hell.” Vivienne could not help but smile at the remark.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Finnian and Ulysses being the sperson was old news now. Even Vance could dig it out, so naturally, the Perez family was in the know.

Last time, Jasper had been too sick to reminisce about the good ol" days.

This taround, he would not let Finnian off the hook so easily.

Diana emerged with a glass of juice for Vivienne and a cup of herbal tea for Jasper.

“Dad, have swater,” she said as she handed him the tea, then turned to Vivienne with the juice. “Here, Vivienne, this is for you.” “Thanks,” Vivienne replied, accepting the glass.

“You're with family, dear. No need for formalities. Drink up. It’s fresh-squeezed,” Diana said before settling down to chat with Jasper.

Feeling parched, Vivienne took a generous gulp of the juice, but the tangy bitterness made her pause. Something about the flavor seemed off.

Diana looked a tad guilty. “Is it too sour, Vivienne? | think | skimped on the sugar.” “It's fine,” Vivienne assured her, though she could not quite shake the odd aftertaste.

Satisfied that Vivienne had not caught on to the spiked drink, Diana breathed a sigh of relief.

“Oh, Vivienne. That powder will ensure you meet your maker in your sleep. The next twe meet, you'll be nothing but a cold corpse. Enjoy your reunion with your mother in the hereafter!” Diana thought with a dark chuckle.