The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne's brow twitched slightly, but she remained silent.

Hailey's face was a mask of fury as she glared at Arthur, "I'm your aunt, how dare you curse me?" Arthur, still irritated from an earlier conversation with Percival, directed his anger towards Hailey, "At your age, it's only natural for health issues to crop up. If one day you don't wake up, none of us would be surprised." Hailey wobbled on her feet, having stood for too long.

Pointing a finger at Arthur, she turned her ire towards Yorick, "Brother, this is the kind of son you've raised? Utterly disrespectful and without a shred of decency. He's cursingto death!" Arthur remained unfazed, his attitude clear: you heardright, that's exactly what I meant.

Hailey, gasping for breath from anger, fell to the ground crying, "Brother, I'm your own sister. He dares to treatlike this before you, disregarding not just you but the entire Linklater family. You must stand up for me..." Arthur looked down at Hailey, making a scene on the floor, with cold eyes.

He had spent years on the front lines, caring little for the so-called "family rules".

He had his principles: threaten his wife or daughter, and he'd take your life.

No exceptions.

"Enough!" Yorick's voice boomed, his gazeplex as he looked down at Hailey on the floor.

"I don't want to dwell on what happened the day before yesterday. Since you've mentioned making amends to Sasha and Vivienne, show ssincerity. You're making us all a laughing stock, acting like this at your age. It's embarrassing even for me." Hailey's face turned an even deeper shade of red with humiliation.

She had just stepped through the door, not even had a sip of water, and now her brother was demanding she apologize to the younger generation in front of everyone.

But she had to swallow her pride.

As long as it gets her what she wants, what's a little humiliation? Slowly getting up, Hailey brushed off non-existent dust from her dress, reluctantly saying, "Sasha, your aunt here is sorry, it was my fault." Sasha looked up, a cold smile playing on her lips, "Aunt, it seems you've got the wrong person.' Hailey, teeth clenched, turned her ugly expression towards Vivienne sitting next to Yorick.

"Vivienne, I only wanted what's best for you. Now that you're back with the Linklater family, you can't behave like you did when you were outside, staying out overnight with men before your marriage is settled. Ultimately, it's the family's reputation that suffers." "As a member of the Linklater family, you should always be aware and act cautiously." Vivienne let out a cold laugh, her gaze sharp as a knife on Hailey's always superior face, "The injury on your face was also for your own good, but it seems I didn't hit hard enough." "What did you say?" "Bang!" Yorick slammed his cup down furiously, "I asked you to apologize to Vivienne, not to lecture her. If it weren't for Vivienne, do you think you'd still be weed in the Linklater family?" "Your being allowed back today was to tell you one thing: from tomorrow, you'll move to the building at the back. Don'te here for the tbeing." Hailey, "Brother, I've already apologized to them..." "If you're not happy, you can choose any of the Linklater family's properties outside and move there tonight." "Remember, there won't be a next time!" Hailey dared not say another word, though her gaze towards Vivienne was filled with even more hatred.

Vivienne simply listened quietly.

Percival squeezed her hand under the table, whispering only for her to hear, "Vivienne, you can do whatever you want, I've got your back." Vivienne's eyes sparkled as she looked at him.

Her Mr. Wolf was always so supportive.

The family dinner hadn't been going long before Hailey excused herself due to feeling unwell.

The patriarch, aware of her ulterior motives, immediately ordered, "Dracon, help your aunt to the back building to rest." Hailey, || She paused but eventually bit the bullet and left.

Her temporary forbearance didn't mean she'd always hold back.

She'd make that mother and daughter pay one day.

With Hailey gone, the table was left to Yorick and Arthur's family alone.

The four of them enjoyed their meal heartily, hardly sparing a thought for the departed.

Especially Arthur, whose eyes never left the feast before him.

He kept serving Sasha, discussing, "Honey, this steamed pork is great. How about we make it for our daughter's breakfast tomorrow..." Vivienne, "..." Thanks, but who eats pork belly for breakfast! Percival smoothly placed peeled shrimp into her bowl, smiling, "If you don't fancy that,e to my place. I'll cook for you." Vivienne smiled, biting into the shrimp, "Alright, I want strawberry cheesecake." Percival, "Cake is definitely a dessert.' Yorick finally turned his attention to Percival, his gaze probing.

Since arriving, he had beenposed.

Percival met Yorick's gaze, nodding respectfully yet confidently.

Yorick sipped his tea, "Percival, our family matters must seem quite the spectacle to you." Percival's smile was easy, but his words were loaded, "Not at all, Grandfather. Vivienne and I are family. If she's ever wronged again, I'll be there. No matter where she won't suffer any harm." His Vivienne could do as she pleased; he'd always be there to support her.

Yorick smiled silently, his eyes softening.

Arthur huffed from across the table. Nice words, but actions speak louder.

Yet, he had to admit, this was the first tthe kid had said something worthwhile.

At least his daughter favored someone who seemed to genuinely care.

Vivienne: The man I've set my sights on is, without a doubt, the best of the best.

Percival set his fork down and spoke up, "Grandpa, I'vee here today because there's something important I need to discuss with you all." Yorick nodded, clearly having anticipated what was about to be said.

"I'm aware of your thoughts on this, and indeed, the reason for your visit was to address this very matter." "Your grandfather has been on the phone quite a bit recently, talking about moving forward with your marriage to Vivienne. Given that she's Arthur and Sasha's daughter, it wouldn't be right forto make a decision without them. It's better we alpsit down and talk this through." With that, he passed the matter over to Arthur and his wife.

Sasha was all for it, having approved of this son-in-law from the start, "We've got the license, let's not drag our feet on the wedding." "No way! I disagree..." Arthur was immediately opposed, but before he could finish, Vivienne silenced him with a sharp look.

Vivienne: Think before you speak.

Arthur swallowed hard. He wasn't afraid of much, but his daughter? That was a different story.

He quickly recalibrated, "A wedding can happen, but not in such a rush!" "My daughter Vivienne's wedding can't just be thrown together. We need at least a few months of preparation." As for whether the wedding would actually happen in a few months, that was another matter.

His daughter was too young for this! Percival had anticipated this objection, Don't worry, I've been planning the wedding for the past two months already. I'll make sure Vivienne has the grand wedding she deserves." S