The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

At the top of the family tree sat the matriarch of the Boyd family, the iron-willed and

formidable Wendy Boyd. Below her name were the names of her descendants: Cecilia’s

eldest brother, Theodore Boyd; her second brother, Hayden Boyd; and her younger sister,

Eliza Boyd.

Then came the names of their children. Theodore’s son, Yannick Boyd, and daughter,

Margot Boyd; Hayden’s daughter, Mara Boyd, and son, Huxley Boyd.

It was noted that Eliza had no children.

Cecilia drew a line through Eliza’s name and sighed, “They say her husband died in a

tragic accident. Now she’s living back home under our mother’s wing, the apple of her

eye.”

Vivienne could see a veil of resentment and a touch of sorrow in Cecilia’s eyes.

Taking a moment, Cecilia resumed, “Years ago, my mother tried to trick Nathan into

marrying Eliza. She lured him to a hotel room under my name and… drugged him,

planning to set them up in a compromising situation. Luckily, Nathan sensed something

was off and escaped before their scheme could come to fruition.

Despite that, my brothers detained him, insisting he marry Eliza anyway. Only when your

grandfather, Richard, the patriarch of the Ellington family, came to our estate and

declared in front of everyone that I was the bride they had chosen. He stated plainly that if

the Boyd family attempted to substitute another bride, the Ellingtons would call off the

union. That’s how I was finally able to marry Nathan.”

Vivienne was taken aback by the dramatic tale of the Boyd family’s intrigue.

No wonder Nathan spoke of them with such disdain.

Cecilia grasped Vivienne’s hand tightly, her voice heavy, “Ever since I was young, my

mother had little affection for me. After Eliza was born, she could barely stand me. I was

treated worse than a gardener at the estate. It wasn’t until I met Percival’s father, Nathan,

at Rivenwood during my studies that I experienced what it felt like to be truly cherished.

But when my family discovered your uncle was the heir to the Ellington estate, they tried

to pull a bait and switch, replacing me with Eliza as the bride.

After a whole saga, we managed to avert disaster, but from that day on, my family turned

even colder towards me. Even Percival wasn’t spared from their disdain. After our

daughter Isolde was born, I never returned to my family home. Percival maintained some

business ties with his uncles, though.

This time, they insisted Percival return, hinting at him marrying some lady from another

family. We’d already refused, but they wouldn’t relent. So, I’m giving you this ring to let

everyone in the Boyd family know that you are the bride I’ve chosen, the new matriarch of

the Boyd family!”

Vivienne chuckled after hearing the story. So that was why Cecilia entrusted her with such

an important ring—to back her up.

In a family that valued tradition and symbols like the ring, it carried immense weight. With

it, even if the Boyd family disapproved of her, they could not just send her away. They

might even have to bend to her will.

Though she did not need the Ellingtons to stand up for her, the support was undeniably

reassuring.

Of course, if anyone in the Boyd family were audacious enough to even lay a finger on Mr.

Wolf, she would not hesitate to break that person’s fingers.

“Thank you,” Vivienne promised, touching the ring on her finger. “I’ll use it well.”

Cecilia smiled back, “Remember, you’re an Ellington now. You don’t have to face trouble

alone; we have your back.”

A warmth flickered in Vivienne’s heart.

Cecilia added, “Be careful in Sea City, Vivienne. It’s unfamiliar territory, and you mustn’t

get separated from Percival.”

Vivienne nodded, though she knew she would be safe even if they did get separated.

As they left the bedroom, the Ellingtons saw the ring on Vivienne’s finger and understood

Cecilia’s intentions.

The Ellington family bid Percival and Vivienne farewell with a touch of melancholy.

…

At the Perez Mansion.

Jasper pulled out his phone and called Vivienne.

“Are you heading out on a long journey, dear?”

Vivienne was not surprised; the Perez family had their ways of finding things out. “Yes,

we’re off to Sea City.”

“Well, once you’re on our turf, you can do as you please. I’ll have someone there to

welcome you.”

Sea City was Perez territory, and upon learning of Vivienne’s visit, Jasper had already sent

word to the family estate to prepare for her arrival.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join

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“Thank you,” Vivienne said with a laugh.

Jasper grunted playfully, “No need for formalities. I should be thanking you for delivering

White Tiger to me.”

Jasper had long been on the trail of CK, but the leads had dried up at Fiona.

White Tiger was cagey, never once showing his face in public.

The Perez family had their suspicions about this elusive figure, wondering if he might be a

mole from within the ranks of the Ellingtons. However, despite their thorough

investigations, they could not find anything amiss.

But who would have thought? Ultimately, it turned out to be Flynn from the Ellington

family.

When Vivienne paraded Flynn before the Perez family, Jasper’s reaction was a mix of

shock and a touch of pride.

Vivienne had proven herself as sharp as he had anticipated. She had uncovered what the

Perez family had failed to unearth in three years.

He knew he had not misjudged her.

Yet, a part of him could not help but lament how wonderful it would have been if Vivienne

were his flesh and blood.

Alas, she was not.

Jasper’s emotions were a roller coaster for a moment, but eventually, they settled back

into calmness.

Vivienne smiled, “Glad I could lend a hand.”

“We’ll talk after I’ve finished the interrogation,” Jasper’s rich voice carried a hint of

contentment, a tone reserved only for conversations with Vivienne.

Even Natalia and Yasmine did not receive such treatment.

For Vivienne, her chats with Jasper were always filled with comfort and ease, whether

discussing serious matters or simply chatting.

This feeling was especially pronounced after she saw the paternity test report.

Jasper was her maternal grandfather, her mother’s biological father.

The bond between them was unbreakable.

“Alright, I’ll follow your lead,” Vivienne said as she hung up the phone, her smile lingering.

Percival tenderly pinched Vivienne’s cheek and said, “Rest up. We won’t make it to Sea

City until later tonight.”

Vivienne nodded, snuggling into Percival’s lap, and comfortably closed her eyes.

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