The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne took several deep breaths before delivering a resounding slap to the back of Brian's head. "Go run laps around the entire institute! And guess what? You've just earned yourself the honor of cleaning duty for the next two months!" She then turned her attention to Brody who looked as if he'd seen a ghost.

With a swift motion, he sprung to his feet and dashed out, his complexion ashen as he passed his colleagues who could easily spot his pallor.

Brian clambered up from the floor. "What a coward. I mean, Vivienne's stunning. What's there to be afraid of?” His voice wasn't loud, but in the eerie silence of the institute, even an ant's footsteps would have echoed.

Everyone, including Leopold, froze for a second, glancing at Vivienne's reaction.

Leopold gulped before venturing, "Is it possible that, uh, they're actually afraid of you?" Meanwhile, Percival had approached Vivienne's side. "Con, don't waste your breath here. Let's get out of here." On the approach to the grand Ellington Mansion.

"Are you sure this is where Vivienne lives?" Victoria sat in the car, surveying the distant property.

The scale and setting were on par with the top noble houses, and she'd heard Vivienne was the granddaughter- in-law of the owner of the mansion.

No wonder she'd been so bold the other day.

The bodyguard pointed toward the distant Ellington estate. "That's Ms. Hawthorn's in-laws' place. The road there leads to the bridal suite of Ms. Hawthorn and her husband. This route is a must-pass for them." Victoria, unsure whether she felt bitter or something else, had initially wanted to step out for a stroll, but her good mood had vanished in an instant.

After what seemed like an eternity of waiting, just as Victoria's patience was wearing thin for the tenth time, another car finally appeared in the distance.

Her interest waned until she lazily asked, "Whose car is that?" The bodyguard, having already scoped out Percival's ride, squinted for a better look and confirmed it was indeed the Ellington family's car, a rare hint of pleasure crossing his stoic face.

He opened the car door. "Miss, it's Mr. Ellington and Ms. Hawthorn." "They're here?" Victoria's drowsy mind suddenly snapped to attention. As she stepped out of her car, Percival was already bringing his to a halt.

"It's her." Through the windshield, Vivienne recognized Victoria instantly.

Percival regarded the familiar face and asked, "You know her?" Vivienne glanced at him and nodded. "She's the Abernathy family's daughter, Victoria-the one I told you about." As they spoke, Victoria was already by the car. “Ms. Hawthorn, I need a word with you, if you don't mind stepping out." Vivienne rolled down the window and replied indifferently, "If you've got something to say, say it here. We're in a bit of a rush." "You woman, have you no manners?" Her eyes flicked to Percival, her voice indignant. "For heaven's sake, you're set to be the lady of the Ellington family. Didn't Richard teach you anything about decency?" Vivienne leaned on the window frame. "And how is that your concern?" "It's my concern because-my mother is..." "Ms. Abernathy, we have other matters to attend to." That was close, Victoria thought, nearly getting lost in Vivienne's words.

Victoria gave the bodyguard Walter a grateful glance. If it weren't for him, she would have been dragged into Vivienne's game.

She steadied herself, about to speak again, when she heard Percival's icy voice, "Ms. Abernathy, if there's nothing else, don't block the way." "Who said there's nothing else?" Victoria turned to Percival. "Ms. Hawthorn, where have you hidden Kaitlyn?" Vivienne looked at her curiously. "Why should I tell you?" Victoria was taken aback, then planted her hands on her hips. "Because I am the daughter of the Abernathy family! Don't think I can't touch you just because you're clinging to the Ellingtons. You're nothing more than the daughter of sperfcompany CEO. I'm even lowering myself by talking to you!" With arms crossed and a look of disdain, she warned, "You'd better hand over Kaitlyn quickly! She's nothing but trouble. Do you want to bring disaster upon the Ellington family?" "Are you questioning the Ellington family's ability to protect someone?" Looking at Victoria's face which bore a striking resemblance to his aunt, Percival's deep eyes filled with a mix of emotions.

There was longing for his aunt and, at the stime, a growing animosity toward the Abernathy family! Percival's gaze narrowed as Victoria met his intense stare.

Feeling like prey under a hawk's gaze, her skin crawled. "You can't be serious! I'm trying to be helpful here. That woman will bring bad luck to any household she enters!" "Mr. Wolf, drive." A mysterious glint passed through Vivienne's eyes. She held Victoria's gaze as she slowly rolled up the window. "Be careful-wear a mask too long, and you might forget how to take it off." "Damn it! Vivienne, you stop right there!" Vivienne didn't care about Victoria at all, whose hand was almost crushed! Clutching her reddened hand, Victoria watched as Percival sped away, leaving her in a cloud of exhaust, too frustrated to speak.

"Looks like Kaitlyn's got her wrapped around her finger. Well, that takes the heat off me!"

Muttering under her breath, Victoria slid behind the wheel of her car and cast a lingering glance back at the Ellington estate, a thought suddenly striking her. "Turn around. I know just the person who can handle this." Vivienne was on the phone, issuing an order, "Get someone to collect a tissue sample from Victoria for analysis."

She hung up just as the bathroom door swung open, and Percival emerged, steam rising from his body as he toweled off his hair and plopped down beside her. "Honestly, no need to check. Victoria's got a look that's a dead ringer for my aunt."

Vivienne handed him the hairdryer as she said, "We need to be sure. If she's really your aunt's daughter, then her e.

actions today just got a whole lot more interesting."Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates... The hairdryer whirred in the background. Her voice seemed distant to Percival, almost as if it were coming from far away.

He paused mid-movement, turning to look at Vivienne, his gaze laced with a meaningful smile.

A moment of clarity struck. "Thanks to my clever Vivienne. Without you, I'd be blind with spite, unable to see the bigger picture." Dropping the hairdryer on the nightstand, Percival leaned in close to Vivienne.

Her fragrance, subtle and intoxicating like the scent of fresh cream, filled his senses, and all he had to do was lower his gaze to admire her soft, fair skin.

He nuzzled against her, his nose brushing her skin, feeling a sense of satisfaction he'd never known. His eyes darkened with desire, slowly pooling within.

Vivienne's cheeks flushed pink under his gaze. "They say love makes you lose your wits, Mr. Wolf. Guess you're living proof of that now." X