The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The note on it was terse, just two words scrawled in a hasty script: [Appraisal, wrong!]

It was a clear message that the appraisal they had was incorrect.

They knew that many were searching for Sasha, and word of this was common knowledge amongst

the ancient warrior lineages. However, no one knew that they believed Vivienne to be Sasha’s child

and had even gone as far as to do a paternity test with her.

The person who slipped the paper to Jasper obviously knew their family affairs like the back of his

hand.

This was not good news.

“I found it on my pillow when I woke up two days ago,” Jasper said, lifting his eyes to meet his son’s, a

wry chuckle escaping his lips. “Funny, isn’t it? Someone got into my room right under your noses, and

nobody noticed!”

Yuri broke out in a cold sweat. “Dad! Why didn’t you mention something this serious earlier?”

“That person harbors no ill will.”

Jasper knew he might not have been alive to tell the tale if there had been any malice.

“But you should have told us so we could beef up security,” Yuri protested, visibly shaken.

Jasper was unharmed, but if something had happened, his siblings would have torn him apart.

“I kept it to myself because I’ve been pondering over the accuracy of this information,” Jasper said, his

face growing stern. “That’s why I’ve decided to run another paternity test. And this stays between us.

We’ll get Willa to do it.”

“But Willa, she…”

Before Yuri could finish, Jasper cut him off with a commanding tone, “Once she conducts the test, I’ll let

her walk away from the Perez family.”

Yuri opened his mouth to speak, but Jasper’s icy stare silenced him. He sighed, “Understood.”

Jasper glanced at him and added, “Go to Vivienne. Get blood, hair, saliva—anything that can be

tested.”

Yuri twitched at the corner of his mouth. “Isn’t that a bit intrusive?”

“We’ve already intruded. Vivienne is smart; she’s guessed we did the test,” Jasper stated. “If we’re

doing it again, let’s do it right. It’s better to be upfront than to sneak around.”

…

The next day.

Vivienne had barely gotten out of bed when she heard a commotion in her living room. It sounded like

someone had come to visit.

Dorian had only recently moved to Rivenwood and was not likely to have guests.

And business partners surely would not show up so early in the morning.

Besides, the voices sounded familiar.

She changed and stepped out of her room.

“Vivienne! I’ve missed you so much!”

Before she could fully step out, Dawson burst towards her with open arms.

She stepped back and slammed the door shut.

With a bang, Dawson’s nose bled profusely.

Cordelia rushed to hand him a tissue. “Dawson, here, wipe it off. Are you okay?”

Dawson waved the blood off and said, “I’m fine, I’m fine. Please, take a seat, I’m okay.”

Only then did Vivienne emerge from her room and casually took a piece of fruit from the bowl, asking,

“Finished copying the Ten Commandments?”

Leopold had returned early because Mr. Wolf had a mission. The others had finished long ago. Only

Dawson had taken so long, not finishing and even running back to Havenwood.

Vivienne had not had time to deal with him lately, and now he had the nerve to show up on her

doorstep.

Dabbing at his bloody nose, Dawson sat across Vivienne and grinned sheepishly, “Done. I brought it

just for your inspection.”

He flashed a cheeky smile.

Vivienne could not be bothered and glanced over the pages.

The handwriting was atrocious.

Disgusted, she put down the copy of the Ten Commandments and eyed Dawson. “What brings you to

Rivenwood?”

Seeing Vivienne was not angry, Dawson breathed a sigh of relief and explained, “I’m here to discuss a

deal with the Brooks family. Got my eye on a piece of their land.”

Vivienne raised an eyebrow. “The Eastlake Bay?”

“That’s the one. You interested too?” Dawson asked.

“Mm-hmm.”

Dawson beamed. “Consider it yours, Vivienne. Whatever you want, even the stars and the moon, I’ll

pull them down for you!”

Watching his infuriating grin, Vivienne simply closed her eyes, refusing to engage further.

Dorian was unsure what the discussion was about, but he knew better than to pry into Vivienne’s

affairs.

“Dawson, let’s have lunch together. I owe you for all the help you’ve given us. Without it, I wouldn’t

have settled in so easily,” Dorian said, grateful regardless of Dawson’s reasons.

Dawson would not dream of declining an invitation from Dorian!

But, catching Vivienne’s sidelong glance, his eager “Sure thing!” was promptly retracted. “I can’t, I’ve

got another engagement. Rain check?”

Dorian didn’t press further.

As the CEO of Alliance Enterprises, Dawson’s visit to Rivenwood meant business, and Dorian would

not want to delay him.

“Alright, let me know when you’re free. I’ll wait for your call.”

Dawson grinned from ear to ear. “You got it.”

Dorian was the best!

After a short stay with her family, Vivienne followed Dawson out with Anna in tow.

In the car, Dawson looked at Vivienne with a carefree swagger. “What’s your plan for that land? If

you’re considering building a home, I have plenty of real estate. That spot’s too isolated for a home.”

“I’m researching explosives,” Vivienne said nonchalantly.

Compared to Eastlake Bay, the suburban site was more secluded and further from residential areas,

safer for her purposes.

She had her eye on that land for a while, but since it belonged to the Brooks family, it was difficult for

her to approach them directly.

She had considered sending Leopold, but now, with Dawson here, it was perfect timing.

“Alright, I’m off to have a chat with the Brooks. Hang tight, Vivienne. Good news is on the way!”Books

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To be honest, even if Vivienne wanted to delve into cannons instead of bombs, he would gladly hand

over the land resources with both arms!

Dawson arrived at the agreed-upon meeting place with Ronald and prepared to leave the car.

Vivienne had not intended to make an appearance, but there Ronald was, waiting outside. Their eyes

met, and in the end, she stepped out of the car. “Long time no see.”

Ronald managed an awkward smile. “Indeed, it’s been a while.”

He was still somewhat unsure of how to face Vivienne.

Not to mention, he was in the dark about the nature of Vivienne’s relationship with Dawson.

“Mr. Brooks, this is my associate, Vivienne. We came together today. I hope that’s not an issue.”

Dawson was aware of the messy affairs of the Brooks family, but Ronald had always been decent to

Vivienne.

That was why he had chosen to negotiate the land purchase with Ronald.

Due to Judith and Scott’s respective troubles, the Brooks family suffered a significant blow to their

company’s stability. Dawson’s proposal to buy that parcel of land was, in fact, a timely solution for the

Brooks’ pressing troubles.

Ronald offered a smile. “Of course, it’s no problem at all, as long as Vivienne doesn’t mind.”

“I don’t mind at all. Let’s head in,” Vivienne said generously, smiling and walking in alongside Anna.