The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Willa’s brow was furrowed in frustration, her fists clenched tightly.

“So many hideouts, damn it!” She muttered under her breath.

The real thorn in her side was discovering that Diana had been secretly conspiring with F-Poison! That damned traitor! Meanwhile, Quincy discreetly texted Vivienne for help, knowing full well she was no match for Willa. Her only hope was to bring in reinforcements without making a sound.

But before she could relish the thought of rescue, Willa’s hand clamped down on her shoulder.

“Hey, kiddo, when the grown-ups are talking, you listen, okay?” Willa said with a smile that was anything but comforting.

Quincy attempted to resist, but it was futile.

With ease, Willa confiscated Quincy's phone, then tied her to a chair, topping her work with a peachy little heart drawn on her forehead.

“As much as I'd love to catch up with Vivienne, | can’t right now. Give it two hours after | leave, and she’ll crunning to save you,” Willa said as she tapped on the phone before setting it down and making her exit.

Quincy could only watch helplessly as Willa disappeared. Glancing at the phone, she saw the message was indeed sent, but with a two-hour delay before reaching Vivienne.

Cruel fate, indeed! At the Perez Mansion.

Diana had just reached the front gate when laughter ech} from within.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, aware that Jasper was probably still fuming over today’s fiasco.

But then, to her astonishment, she heard Vivienne’s voice. Why was she still here? In the Perez's backyard, Vivienne was surprised by a strawberry cheesecake decorated with the names of Natalia, Yasmine, and her own! Zelda, a bit embarrassed, looked at Vivienne. “I'm still perfecting my frosting skills, so just bear with it, will you?” Yuri, with his arm around Zelda, grinned at Vivienne, “Your aunt heard you liked strawberry cheesecake. We wanted to know your birthday, but you said you don’t even know your birthday. So, we figured, why not celebrate it with Natalia and Yasmine?” The truth was, Vivienne had her reasons for keeping her birthday under wraps.

Before confirming her mother was alive, she refrained from sharing personal details. Now that she knew, there hadn’t been tto tell everyone.

Though today wasn’t her actual birthday, her heart felt incredibly warm.

Just days ago, she had dreamed of gorging on strawberry cheesecake until she could not take another bite, and here it was.

She had thought Zelda's recent cake obsession was just a passing fancy, never guessing it was all for this moment.

Tears welled in Vivienne's eyes. The cake might not have been a masterpiece of culinary art, with its lopsided strawberries and smeared icing, but to her, it was the most delicious, most perfect strawberry cheesecake she had ever seen.

“Uncle, Auntie, thank you,” was all she could muster, her voice choked with emotion.

Maddox playfully smeared a bit of frosting on Vivienne’s nose. “Happy birthday, crybaby!” Natalia and Yasmine cheered, “Yay, we're celebrating with Vivienne!” Vivienne’s tears turned to laughter as she glanced at Percival.

“Happy birthday, Vivienne,” he said softly, ruffling her hair.

She nodded, bending down to blow out the candles with Natalia and Yasmine.

Jasper watched on with a tender smile, a look of profound peace and contentment that the Perez family had seldom seen on his face.

They exchanged looks, each face illuminated by the irreplaceable joy of the moment.

The strawberry cake might not have been the most extravagant gift present, but it was undoubtedly the most priceless treasure of the day.

Diana stood at the gate, quietly observing the scene unfold before her.

Such a picture of harmony and love! Envy and hatred flared within her, especially when her gaze fell on Vivienne. She imagined tearing that smiling face to shreds, crushing it underfoot, and throwing it into the flames! The sway she had once hurled a rock at Sasha, she now wished to cast Vivienne into an inescapable abyss.

Biting down hard on her anger, Diana's loathing for Vivienne grew ever stronger.

An interloper—her mother was dead, so what was she doing back here? “Go to hell, all of you!” She seethed silently.

Vivienne sensed the intense glare and turned to face it.

Of course, it was Diana.

The last person who had looked at her with such malice was... something Brooks? She shrugged it off.

As everyone followed Vivienne’s gaze to Diana at the door, their expressions varied, yet none seemed pleased at her arrival.

Jasper stepped forward. “Diana, | want to speak with you in the study.” Regaining her composure, Diana nodded silently.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Maddox shot Diana an undisguised look of disdain, not even trying to hide his feelings, which had nothing to do with today’s events. He never cared for Diana right from the start.

Jasper shot Maddox a warning look. “Can’t you be a little more discreet?” “Sorry, no can do,” Maddox replied, picking a strawberry off the cake. “Vivienne, let's go have sfun. It'd be a shto waste such a beautiful day indoors.” As if on cue, Vivienne received Quincy’s SOS text. Putting away her phone, she said, “Thanks, but we've got something else to take care of.” Maddox gave Percival and Vivienne a knowing look, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. “Oh, are you two planning a little date? Needto set you up with a round...” “Round, round, round, I'll make you round!” Jasper did not let Maddox finish his tease, swinging his cane in a wide arc, aiming for Maddox's behind.

Yuri and Zelda were used to the family antics, smiling as they ushered Percival and Vivienne out the door.

“Have a great date, enjoy yourselves. These are the VIP cards for all the hottest spots in Rivenwood. Go have fun,” Zelda slipped a sleek cardholder into Percival’s hand.

From the yard, Maddox, who was dodging Jasper’s playful wrath, yelled, “Those are mine!” Yuri quietly stepped in front of Vivienne, blocking the view of the commotion. “Don’t worry about it, Vivienne.

Splurge a little!” Vivienne chuckled under her breath. “Alright, I'll cback to visit you all soon.” “Deal!” Zelda leaned on Yuri’s shoulder, waving cheerfully at Vivienne.

After Vivienne had left, Jasper, feeling that he had doled out enough justice, lectured Maddox about respecting his elders before retreating to his study.