The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Caspian spread his arms in front of him, a human barricade. “Jasper, Madam, guys, | can’t just let Percival walk out of here. We need official clearance to release him. Please head back and wait for news. | swear on my life, if a single hair on Percival’s head is harmed, I'll answer for it!” Vivienne, clutching the prison access card in her hand, said with a steely tone, “Caspian, I'm only giving you this much tbecause of your sister. Out of my way.” “Wait!” Dracon emerged from inside the prison, his face a mask of rage as he glared at Vivienne.

“Vivienne, you think this is your playground? You can’t just waltz in here whenever you please. My dad's in the ER fighting for his life, and Percival is our prsuspect. He's not going anywhere with you!” Before Dracon could finish, a rock churling down, striking him squarely on the crown of his head.

Fredrick stepped forward, his voice dripping with contempt. “Who do you think you are, spouting off like that, Dracon? I'm telling you, if you don’t step aside, I'll make you beg for mercy, just like old times. Believe it?” Dracon was well aware of Fredrick’s reputation and quickly retreated behind Caspian. “Fredrick, even if you and the Perez family turn this place upside down, | can’t let you through. This is about my dad, and | won't let it go with Percival!” Vivienne’s expression was icy as she prepared to push forward, but Jasper pulled her back just in time.

As she frowned, a man in a suit appeared before them, bearing a strong resemblance to Dracon but with a more resolute demeanor. His skills were clearly superior; even Vivienne would have to take a few rounds to defeat him.

Maddox stepped in front of Vivienne with a sneer. “Well, well, if it isn’t our esteemed diplomat. What brings you to our neck of the woods?” Hector ignored Maddox and gave Jasper a respectful nod. “Jasper, it's been too long. | regret not visiting you sooner upon my return. Please forgive me.” “It's alright, Hector. You're here now. But tell me, do you intend to get involved in today’s affair?” Jasper asked with a faint smile.

Hector shook his head. “That's not my intention. | understand Vivienne’'s urgency to free her fiancé, but the matter has not yet been resolved. We can’t release Percival until it is, especially with my father still unconscious.

| hope you can understand our position.” Vivienne’s eyes narrowed subtly. This man had clearly done his homework on her.

Hector then turned his gaze to Vivienne, his eyes flickering with an unreadable light.

For sreason, she felt he was probing for something.

“Hector, | can’t stand to see my grandson-in-law treated this way. Are you going to release him today or not?” Jasper’s tone was firm.

Hector visibly didn’t want to clash with the Perez family, knowing it could backfire once Yorick woke up. “If Vivienne can make my father wake up now and ask for his opinion, I'll have no objections. But until he wakes, | can't release the man.” Jasper looked at Vivienne for her decision. She smiled slightly. “Alright.” She had planned to visit Yorick after freeing Percival anyway, but since Hector had put forth a condition, a trade wasn’t out of the question.

The priority was to get Percival out.

As Dracon opened his mouth to protest, Hector silenced him with a stern look.

“Matthew, wait here. If Yorick disagrees, we’ll force our way in,” Vivienne instructed before turning to her grandfather and her uncles. “Grandpa, Uncles, let's head to the hospital.” Maddox waved them off. “You go on. I'll stay here.” He knew Vivienne didn’t want the Perez family too involved, but without someone from their side present, Dracon would surely mobilize the Linklater family’s resources. He couldn't let his niece be at a disadvantage.

Jasper nodded in agreement and watched as Vivienne swiftly made her way to the hospital.

Behind them, Maddox chuckled. “Hector, still putting on that holier-than-thou act? Sthings never change!” On the way, Vivienne couldn’t help but ask, “Grandpa, what's the deal between Maddox and Hector?” Jasper chuckled. “Those two have been at it since they were kids, both third in line, never seeing eye to eye.” Yuri chimed in, “Hector’s a lot more straight-laced than Maddox.” Fredrick laughed. “There's plenty of people more straight-laced than Maddox!” Luke groaned. “Don’t badmouth Maddox behind his back. | bet they'll end up scrapping again.” Vivienne listened with growing curiosity about Hector. She had a feeling there was more to his interest in her than met the eye.

Soon enough, she arrived at the hospital and headed straight for the ICU.

Half an hour later, Hector’s phone rang. He answered it with one hand. “Dad? You're awake? Great, I'll release him.” Dracon, who was behind Hector, wanted to object, but Vanguard Agency personnel were already opening the gates, escorting Percival out.

Dracon frowned inwardly—what a hassle! Percival, dressed to the nines, stepped out and was at a loss for words at the scene before him.

Maddox turned to him, his tone remarkably warmer. “Nephew-in-law, Vivienne’s waiting at the hospital. Go to her, and we'll catch up later!” What a stark contrast to the fiery temper from the day before! Percival nodded. “Alright, Uncle Maddox. I'll head there.” With that, Percival got into the car.

Through the car window, Maddox and Hector were locked in a standoff that could have been lifted straight from an old Wild West showdown. They were shoulder to shoulder, wrist to wrist, in a tussle that looked as though, at any moment, one might just snap the other in half.

Inside the hospital, Yorick was tethered to an oxygen machine his voice raspy as he said You've gone to the trouble again, kiddo.” Vivienne was nonchalant. “No worries, but Yorick, do you have any clue what actually went down this time?”

Shaking his head, Yorick repliely wasn't Percival I have a gut feeling about this. Lethandle the investigation.

Vivienne didn’t press further. If Yorick wanted to look into it himself, she wasn’t going to interfere.

Jasper, however, had a look that was rich with implication. “Yorick, just don’t go soft.” “I'm not an idiot!” Yorick retorted, rolling his eyes at Jasper.

Soon after, a knock on the hospital room door announced Percival’s arrival. Vivienne launched herself at him.

“Mr. Wolf!” The three uncles present felt a twinge of heartache — our little darling! Percival kissed Vivienne’s forehead. “You've worked hard. Also, I've found Carl and the other two.” Vivienne’s eyes lit up. “That fast?” “That's my turf,” Percival said with a smirk, teasingly flicking Vivienne’s nose. “When do we move?” “Tonight,” Vivienne replied with a slight smile. After such a long wait, it was finally tto close the net! Yorick coughed a few times from his hospital bed. “That's about enough now. You kids these days...” Percival chuckled. “Yorick, feeling better?”

I'm fine. You all go ahead and don't a miss your chance Yorick waved them off turning back to continue his conversation with Jasper. Vivienne’s three uncles had made their preparations, ready to depart with her.