The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Maddox furrowed his brow, “Did Vivienne really say that?” Diana's eyes flickered with hope, “Yeah, she said exactly that, Maddox. What do you think she’s trying to pull?” She thought she had finally found a crack in Maddox's armor, a chance to see him stop shielding Vivienne.

But Maddox just shrugged it off. “That kid, talking nonsense. She doesn’t need to replace you; you were never comparable to her in the first place.” With that, Maddox shook his head and walked away, muttering about how Vivienne always overthinks things.

Diana felt like she had been struck by lightning. Her nails dug into her palms, but she could not feel the pain.

Maddox had said she was never comparable to Vivienne! All things aside, she had been part of the Perez family for nearly three decades, ever since she was a baby.

And Vivienne was just an outsider whose place in the family had not even been confirmed.

How could Maddox say such a thing? Diana was seething. She would see to it that Vivienne paid with her life, now, immediately, without delay! After leaving the Perez Mansion, Vivienne received a call from Maddox, “Vivienne, | did what you told me to, but it's kind of odd.

Why provoke Diana like that? She's not one to take things lightly; she must be fuming by now.” Vivienne chuckled on the other end. “No worries, as long as it's been said.” Maddox did not press further. “Alright, mission accomplished. Watch your back, and if you need me, just holler.” “Actually, there's one thing,” Vivienne said playfully, “Tomorrow, could you take Grandpa and everyone out? Leave someone behind, an auntie or anyone apart from Diana.” Maddox paused, “What for?” “It'll come in handy.” “Okay, you call the shots.” Maddox laughed and hung up.

He never questioned Vivienne's motives or tried to stop her. He just played along.

After all, he was the best uncle in the world, even better than Yuri! Hanging up, Vivienne stretched in the car and clicked her tongue.

Percival glanced at her with a smile. “What's up?” “Ever since you've been driving yourself, I've missed kissing you in the car!” Percival nearly slammed on the brakes hard enough to launch himself out of the vehicle! Vivienne was becoming increasingly bold! But he liked it.

The next day, Maddox herded the family out early, claiming they were going for a health check-up.

But Zelda was so sleepy she refused to budge.

Diana, feigning busyness, got excused, and Maddox left with the rest of the family in a flurry of activity.

Yawning, Zelda turned to head back to bed.

But before she could reach her room, dizziness overwhelmed her, and she collapsed to the floor.

Behind her, Diana's face twisted into a sinister smile as she looked down at the unconscious Zelda, her eyes cold.

“Dear Zelda, you'll be my shield for the day. If something fatal happens, don’t blame me!” Diana snickered, clapping her hands.

Two figures emerged from Diana's room, swiftly binding the unconscious Zelda and whisking her away from the Perez Mansion.

Diana went back to bed, only to wake up and reach for her phone.

A video popped up — Zelda's kidnapping.

“Let me go! If you dare hurt me, the Lynette and Perez families will make you pay!” A slap cracked across Zelda's face.

“Shut the hell up. Tell your husband either he pays up or get ready to pick up your dead body!" Diana watched the video, squeezed out a few crocodile tears, then called Vivienne, sobbing.

“Vivienne! Zelda's in trouble. | can’t reach Dad or my brothers. What do we do?” On the phone, Diana's voice was heavy with tears, her distress palpable.

Vivienne yawned, feigning confusion. “What's that? Say it again!” “Zelda's been kidnapped! The kidnappers want a ransom, but | can't get hold of Dad or my brothers. Vivienne, you've got to come quick. Zelda's in real danger!” “I'm on my way,” Vivienne said, hanging up and soon appearing at the Perez Mansion.

Diana showed her the video of Zelda's kidnapping and said, “I've got enough money, Vivienne. They can’t be reached. Let's go pay the ransom. I'm afraid if we're late, Zelda might be in real danger.” Vivienne nodded. “Let's go.” Diana watched Vivienne rush to the car, a sly smile on her lips.

She knew Vivienne would come to Zelda's rescue; after all, Zelda had always treated her like a daughter.

Even if it meant risking her own neck, Vivienne would come for the sake of her place in the Perez family.

On the road, Diana kept trying to reach the kidnappers, but there was no trace of them.

When they arrived at the designated spot, they were told to move to another location.

After several switches, Vivienne realized they had been led to a deserted foothill.

Then came another message from the kidnappers, instructing them to carry the money up the mountain.

With no choice, they complied.

Climbing the mountain with bags of cash, they finally reached the top.

From a distance, they saw Zelda tied to a tree, flanked by two menacing kidnappers.

Vivienne stepped forward, tossing the bag of money to the ground. “Here’s your ransom. Now let my auntie go!” One of the kidnappers approached and counted the money, but his eyes showed no greed for the cash.

“Boss, the Perez family really is loaded! They couldn't reach Jasper, but they didn't blink an eye before putting up three million in cold, hard cash. It's like chump change to them,” the kidnapper chuckled, seemingly unfazed by the amount.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Vivienne narrowed her eyes. “Who the hell are you people?!” With a thud, Vivienne felt a heavy blow to her head.

Turning slowly, she caught sight of Diana holding a large rock, smiling sweetly at her.

“Vivienne, history's repeating itself. This is how your mom got snatched back in the day. Irony’s a bitch, ain't it?” Vivienne could not muster a word, her eyes shutting in defiance, and then darkness engulfed her consciousness completely.

When she came to, Zelda was tied up beside her, and the two goons—one stood by Diana, the other by Gillian Ashford.

Vivienne observed the faces before her in silence, “You're F-Poison!” F-Poison let out a laugh. “I'm actually impressed, Vivienne. You recognized me. But, you know, | prefer ‘Auntie’ to F-Poison.” Vivienne tried to wriggle out of the ropes, but her body was weak, clearly poisoned.

F-Poison smirked. “Stop struggling, sweetheart. This poison was cooked up by your dear mother. You won't be able to shake it off”