The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne blinked in confusion. “Mara? Who's that?” As far as Vivienne was concerned, the nMara had been flushed down the toilet long ago, just like yesterday's news.

The whole Boyd family had becinvisible in Vivienne and Percival’s world, let alone Mara.

Their association with the Boyds had been as necessary as a fish needs a bicycle—completely irrelevant! Isolde nodded emphatically. “Yes, Mara. Mom's niece, the one you've met before.” Vivienne was still clueless, but Percival recalled and said, “The girl from the second branch of the Boyd family.” “Huh?” Vivienne blinked, not following.

Percival chuckled helplessly and flicked Vivienne’s forehead. “The one you said had a nose like a button mushroom.” “Oh!” Vivienne’s face lit up with realization. “Isn't she supposed to be abroad? Why is she back?” What Vivienne did not voice was, “How could she have the gall to show her face here again?” But with Isolde present, such language was inappropriate.

The twalked into the living room where Cecilia sat, looking somewhat apologetic.

“Mom, what's she doing here? Is something wrong?” Percival inquired.

He knew his mother well enough to realize that although she could be scatterbrained at times, she had a strong moral compass.

The Boyds had been nothing but trouble, and Mara had even tried to break him and Vivienne up—Cecilia would not forgive that lightly. x] If Mara was now settling in at the Ellington Mansion, something must have gone seriously awry for Cecilia to soften her stance.

Cecilia shared Mara’s experience. “I never thought things would turn out this way; | thought we'd gone our separate ways for good. But then this happened.” Cecilia glanced at Vivienne sheepishly, clearly embarrassed. She felt she had no right to face Vivienne.

Vivienne, however, was unfazed. Mara was never a central figure in her life, and Cecilia’s sentiments had no bearing on her.

The aunt-niece dynamics were none of Vivienne’s business.

“Cecilia, you make your own decision; don’t mind me,” Vivienne said with a smile, looking at Cecilia with a soft gaze.

Cecilia bit her lip, “Vivienne, | also...” “Cecilia, Mara is your niece, after all, and probably the only family you have left. She's been close to you for many years, and whatever you decide, | won't object. Just follow your heart.” Cecilia's eyes welled up at Vivienne’s words. “Vivienne, you can be sure | won't let Mara trouble you again. If she does, I'll deal with her. Thank you, Vivienne.” “No thanks needed.” “It’s none of my business anyway.” The last thought was Vivienne’s silent addition, mindful of Cecilia's dignity.

With Vivienne’s stance clear, Percival had little to add, though he did say sternly, “She can stay but not in the house. And she better not show her face around Vivienne. It's bad karma.” Helping Mara was already a huge concession for Percival.

“I know. I've got people looking for a place for her. Don’t speak to your mother like that!” Cecilia retorted, less patient with her son. She did not want to upset Vivienne, but what was it to him? Upstairs, Mara stood silently by the door, clenching her fists as she overheard the discussions below.

To those in the know, it was clear Cecilia was the legitimate lady of the house. To the uninformed, it might seem like the Ellingtons were Vivienne’s domain.

Mara had not expected that even her stay would be at the mercy of Vivienne’s goodwill.

Vivienne subtly raised her gaze, her eyes briefly scanning the slightly ajar door of the guest room upstairs.

Mara jumped, quickly slamming the door shut. Had she been imagining it, or did Vivienne catch her eye? It had sent a shiver down her spine.

Vivienne’s lips curled into a mocking smile.

“Oh, and Percival, could you spare a moment to look into Huxley Boyd's whereabouts? Mara mentioned they had a layover in M State. It'd be good to know if Huxley's still there; it's quite worrisome,” Cecilia said, sighing.

Percival nodded. Locating Huxley would also mean passing Mara off to him, sparing the Ellingtons any further nuisance.

Soon, Cecilia found Mara a place to stay. With the Ellington family’s large number of real estate, choosing a place was no issue.

“Mara, this place is close to Elite University. You can continue your grad studies here. I'll hire a housekeeper to take care of your daily needs. Here's a credit card. The PIN is your birthday. I'll stop by weekly, and if anything comes up, just call me, okay?” Everything was arranged for Mara, from a new phone to new clothes.

Holding the credit card, Mara’s voice wavered. “Auntie, does this mean Percival... and Vivienne still can’t forgive me? Does my being here cause you trouble?” Cecilia let out a sigh, reaching out to gently ruffle Mara’s hair. “Mara, you know what happened in the past as well as | do. Sthings aren't easily forgiven. Since we've made mistakes, we must atone sincerely. | believe, in time, your cousin and Vivienne will forgive you. For now, focus on your studies, graduate with flying colors, and don’t squander your potential like before, okay?” “I understand, thank you, Auntie,” Mara nodded, her fingertips brushing against her cheek, a trace of insecurity flickering in her eyes. “With my face... can I still go to school?” “What's there to fear? I'll find the best plastic surgeon for you,” Cecilia reassured her. “The doctors say you're not ready for surgery just yet. You need to recuperate a bit first. We'll take it slow, alright?” Cecilia knew all too well that a girl's image was of utmost importance.

Especially for Mara, who had always taken great care of her appearance, indulging in all kinds of cosmetic treatments.

This change must be something she could not easily cto terms with.

At the mention of seeking help, Mara’s lips pursed slightly. “Auntie, about Vivienne, would she be willing to help?” Cecilia paused, her gaze cooling slightly. “Mara, you know that getting Vivienne involved isn’t straightforward.

It’s not just about you; even for a stranger, Vivienne might not agree so easily. The Specter Healer can’t be expected to tend to everyone. Besides, your injuries aren't life-threatening. And there are other capable doctors out there. Just be patient a little longer.” “Okay, | understand. Thank you, Auntie,” Mara replied, not pressing further. Her eyes dropped, concealing a layer of resentment.

With another sigh, Cecilia smoothed Mara’s hair. “Alright, get srest. You're enrolling at Elite University tomorrow. You know your way around, so | won't be joining you.” “Sure, goodbye, Auntie,” Mara said with a smile as she saw Cecilia off. It was not until the car vanished from sight that her smile slowly faded.

Touching the scar on her face, the hatred in her eyes grew more profound.