The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

In the study, Diana had already prepared a cup of coffee for Jasper, waiting in the silent room for his arrival.

As soon as Jasper stepped in, he noticed the red rims around Diana’s eyes, a clear sign of her guilt about the day’s earlier events.

Jasper had always been stern with the boys in the household, quick to wield his walking stick when they stepped out of line. But with the girls, it was a different story; he rarely had a harsh word to say.

It was not just out of a fondness for Sasha, who had gone missing long ago. He simply believed that girls were to be cherished.

Even when Natalia and Yasmine, the mischievous ones, had nearly shaved off their eyebrows with Maddox's razor, he had only chuckled and playfully tapped them on the head.

He had never laid a finger in anger on Diana, too.

Today, however, Jasper was truly upset.

He had raised Diana; he knew her every mood and thought. How could he not see what was on her mind? Diana didn’t take kindly to Vivienne and was not particularly fond of Natalia and Yasmine either. He was well aware of that.

“Dad,” Diana said, her voice breaking as tears spilled over.

Normally, Jasper would have handed her a tissue or teased gently, “What's got my little girl crying this time?” But not today. He sat down heavily in his chair, his usual warmth replaced by a brooding silence.

After a while, Diana stopped crying and hung her head in silence.

Jasper let out a deep sigh, his words laden with disappointment, “Diana, you really crossed the line today.” “Dad, I swear | didn't know Dracon had bought a fake. I yx] deceived, too. I'm truly sorry,” Diana hurriedly explained.

“We, the Linklaters, would never stoop to giving fake gifts. There are plenty of treasures in our family that could outshine the Rainbow Opal. What angersis how you accused Vivienne in front of Dracon!” Jasper’s words sent a jolt through Diana. “Dad, how could | accuse Vivienne? I...” “Dracon doesn’t even know Vivienne. How could he harbor such animosity towards her?” Jasper tapped his cane, his eyes flashing with anger.

Diana bit her lip and recounted the incident where Vivienne had saved Yorick at the Linklaters’ estate. “That day, Vivienne embarrassed Dracon. So today, I...” “You might as well admit that you told him all about Vivienne!” Jasper’s voice was heavy with disappointment.

“Diana, how would Dracon know about Vivienne being the Specter Healer if you hadn't told him? Do you really think I'm senile?” Speechless, Diana knew that Yorick must have shared the incident with Jasper. They had been inseparable in their youth and remained close in their later years, sharing everything.

Yorick, being who he was, would certainly have known Vivienne's true identity. Nothing that happened within the Linklater family escaped his notice, including Diana's slander about Vivienne to Dracon.

Dracon had bluntly revealed Vivienne’'s identity as the Specter Healer, and it was indeed deliberate. He did not even know Vivienne, let alone have a reason to investigate her.

When Diana realized what he had done, she knew she was in trouble, but it was too late to stop Dracon’s words.

Jasper softened his tone and sighed deeply. “Diana, | know you feel threatened by Vivienne’s arrival. You're scared of losing your place in my heart or being driven out by the Perez family.” Diana remained silent, knowing there was no point in denying it now.

Jasper continued, “My foolish child, if I didn’t see you as my own, would | have raised you all these years? Don’t think of yourself as just Sasha's replacement. You are Diana, my third daughter, my precious gem!” Diana's eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at Jasper.

Jasper let out another sigh, his voice turning gentle. “You, Sasha, Willa - I've never shown favoritism. | may have been preoccupied with finding Sasha, but I've never neglected you. I've prepared your wedding gift; just tellwho you wish to marry, and I'll arrange the wedding. As for my will...” Diana's eyes flickered with nervousness. “Dad, I...” Jasper waved her off, “Never mind, don’t do this again. | treat all my children equally.” Diana nodded. “I understand, Dad.” “Alright, it's late. Get srest. And don’t let this happen again. I'll deal with your brother myself.” Diana left the study, pausing at the door, her eyes reflecting a deep sadness.

She knew it. Vivienne had becthe most important person in Jasper’s heaBooks Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

A dark look crossed Diana's eyes. “Vivienne, you must die!” Meanwhile...

Vivienne, following a tip from Quincy, found her bound and struggling for freedom.

When Vivienne saw her in such a sorry state, she could not help but let out a merciless chuckle. “Don’t tellyou couldn't even land a single hit against whoever did this to you?” Even though Vivienne had no clue who had trussed Quincy up like a Thanksgiving turkey, it was clear as day that Quincy had been about as effective as a kitten against a pit bull! With a look of exasperation, Quincy pleaded, “Can you two just helpout of these ropes first?” Still chuckling, Vivienne began to untie Quincy, eyeing the cute little heart sticker on her forehead. “That's actually kind of a good look for you.” Quincy scrunched her face in disgust as she wiped away the drawing, muttering, “It was Willa.” Vivienne’s laughter froze on her face. “Willa?” “Yeah, and the one who ordered the hit onwas F-Poison. Looks like Willa was this close to sniffing out her hideout.” Quincy recapped the night's events.

“Did you manage to plant a tracker on her?” Vivienne inquired.

Quincy nodded, then gestured to a nearby trash can, “But she stripped it off before she left. Oh, and she mentioned that it’s not tfor you to meet her yet.”