The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Aaron eyed Kenneth with a frosty gaze.

“Spit it out. I don’t have all day for your blather,” he said, not in the mood for Kenneth’s usual nonsense.

Kenneth fell silent momentarily, then muttered, “Word on the street is you played the hero for Vivienne.

Right now, my brother Percival is probably playing doctor with her in the hospital room; might as well be

swapping spit already.”

Aaron bolted upright, nearly tearing his stitches. “What did you say? Vivienne is so young. Has Percival

no shame?”

“Oh, don’t pin it on my brother. It’s Vivienne who’s been throwing herself at him!” Kenneth’s face

darkened instantly.

“Bullshit!” Aaron snapped back.

“I don’t spout crap like you do!” Kenneth retorted coldly.

Aaron took a breath, trying to keep his cool. “What exactly do you want to tell me?”

Kenneth glanced back at the closed door of the ward, then leaned in closer to Aaron as if sharing a

secret.

Aaron pushed him away, disgusted. “We’re alone in here. Just get to the point.”

“What if we team up to keep Vivienne away from my brother? What do you say?” Kenneth was not

skulking around anymore; he had had this idea for quite some time.

Aaron’s actions had proved his deep feelings for Vivienne, making him the perfect ally in Kenneth’s plot

to break her away from Percival.

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Aaron eyed Kenneth skeptically. “Team up? How?”

They whispered back and forth until Mark strolled in with a doctor.

Kenneth’s presence surprised Mark as much as Bennett and the others earlier.

“Kenneth, here to see Aaron, are you? Thanks for caring,” Mark said, the picture of warmth.

With Mark’s return, it was Kenneth’s cue to leave without making it awkward.

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He slapped Aaron on the shoulder, “No need for formalities, we’re all brothers here!”

Aaron shoved him off, eager for him to leave. “Get out of here.”

Kenneth pulled back his hand, shooting Aaron meaningful glances, his eyes saying, “Don’t forget our

plan!”

Aaron exhaled heavily, suddenly wondering if teaming up with Kenneth was too hasty.

“I’m off then,” Kenneth said, exiting Aaron’s ward.

After he left, the doctor gave Aaron a thorough check before Mark finally relaxed.

Sitting beside the bed, he looked at his son with concern. “Don’t be so reckless next time. What if

something serious had happened?”

“But didn’t you say our family’s top priority is to ensure Vivienne’s safety? That’s what matters most,”

Aaron said nonchalantly, seeing his father more as a means to an end to become the Miller family heir

and secure the power to stand against Percival.

Mark’s brow furrowed. “Still, you’re not the one to protect her. No more dangerous stunts.”

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Aaron did not argue further, as he never intended to heed Mark’s words anyway.

“Next month is Richard’s birthday bash, right?” Aaron changed the subject.

Mark’s temper softened. “Yes, what about it?”

“Take me with you,” Aaron said, a subtle gleam in his eye.

Mark paused, surprised. “You want to go?”

“Yes, I can’t just stick around school forever, can I? You said networking is essential, right?” Aaron

challenged, “Or do you think my status as a bastard son isn’t fitting to accompany you to such an

important event?”

Richard’s birthday was a grand affair in the Ellington family, with many clamoring for an invite.

Only Rivenwood’s elite made the list, and many business deals were sealed at the event.

Aaron had never shown interest before, but now he was keen to attend, surprising and delighting Mark,

who said, “I didn’t mean that, Aaron. I’m happy you want to join the celebration.”

Seeing Mark agree, Aaron closed the topic and rested his eyes.

Mark wanted to talk more, but seeing his son’s disinterest, he stayed silent, aware that Aaron was not

quick to forgive.

…

Meanwhile, Percival was discharged from the hospital after only two days, and he would have left

sooner if Vivienne had not insisted he stay.

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Thomas needed more time to heal, and even though Vivienne had mended his leg, proper rest was

critical to avoid future complications.

With Thomas indisposed, Leopold took over his duties.

“I’m driving? I’m your chauffeur now, Mr. Ellington? Are you short on chauffeurs?” Leopold bristled at

the assignment.

Percival glanced at him coolly. “What’s the problem? You used to drive before, didn’t you?”

“That was different!” Leopold fumed, “Back then, I didn’t know you were whisking away Vivienne. Now

that I know, you expect me to…”

He suddenly stopped, not finishing the thought.

To watch them kiss each day?

His patience had limits!

He was already showing restraint not to confront Percival.

And now to be their chauffeur?

Besides, Thomas had mentioned how often those two kissed in the car. Every ride was guaranteed to

have at least one smooch.

He was not a masochist, seeking out agony willingly!

“Oh,” Percival casually remarked, adjusting his cufflink. “I hear there’s an opening on Fariana Isle…”

Before he could finish, Leopold stiffened and squeezed the words out of clenched teeth. “I’ll drive!”

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And he meant it—his teeth gnashed audibly, yet he was powerless against Percival.

Fine!

Percival was not the priority!

Vivienne was all that mattered. He would consider it protecting her.

Percival internally thanked him.

Leopold grabbed the car keys with a grin, “So, where to, Vivienne?”

Vivienne rubbed her neck, saying, “The Brooks Mansion.”

“You got it!” Leopold fired up the engine and floored it, pulling up to the Brooks Mansion in no time.

Percival looked at Leopold with disdain. It was clearly not his turn to play the speed demon.

As they parked, Leopold finally asked, “Vivienne, what’s got you wanting to head back to the Brooks

Mansion?”

“Zip it,” Vivienne muttered coolly.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books

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Leopold clamped his mouth shut quickly. He knew if he pushed it, Vivienne would shut him up with her

acupuncture skills, and not in a good way.

Vivienne stepped out of the car, with Percival trailing behind her into the Brooks Mansion. Leopold

dangled the car keys casually as he followed.

They pushed open the door to find Carl and Kala cracking up at the first episode of the reality show on

TV. The producers had edited footage of the sisterly brawl between Lucia and Lila, leaving the siblings

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bent over in laughter.

“Vivienne, you’re back! Come and see, it’s our reality show!” Kala exclaimed, still laughing.

Vivienne glanced at her, lips pursed, “Where’s your dad?”

Today was going to be another one of those days.

The laughter on Kala and Carl’s faces faded as they saw the look on Vivienne’s face.

That expression, they had not seen it since the day of Judith’s incident.

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