The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The living room was packed, with no space left on the couch for Vivienne and Percival.

Of course, nobody seemed inclined to make room.

Vivienne scanned the room and, without a second thought, grabbed the butler, “Seems like you've already forgotten yesterday's lesson, haven't you?” The butler shuddered involuntarily, the memories of last night's ordeal etched deep in his mind, a painful experience he would never forget.

His eyes darted to Wendy, who was currently perched in the patriarch’s seat of the Boyd household.

Clearing her throat, Wendy rose with Eliza's assistance. “Vivienne, have you cas the head of the Boyd family or as Percival’s fiancée?” Vivienne’s lips curled into a slight smile. “Is there a difference?” “Of course, there is. If you cas the head of the Boyd family, you may take this seat and listen to our discussions about today’s affairs. But you shall not interject. Even as the head, you have no authority over Boyd Group's matters, as | own it. Henceforth, you mustn't claim the fiancée status; it's against Boyd family tradition.” Vivienne nodded in understanding. “And if | cas Percival’s fiancée?” Wendy snorted with a smirk. “If you cas Percival’s fiancée, then you stand there, serve tea, and listen quietly while we reprimand you. Everyone here is your elder; you must not be presumptuous!” Without hesitation, Vivienne took her seat at the head of the table, crossed her legs, and gave Wendy a sidelong glance. “Well, it just so happens that | intend to be both the head of the Boyd family and Percival’s fiancée.” Wendy huffed. “Don’t be too greedy, girl. | don’t acknowledge your engagement to Percival. But since you claim to be the head, I'll give you that much respect. If you want this position, remove yourself from Percival’s life.” Percival’s eyes narrowed with a chilling aura. He was J x 9S speak when Vivienne cut in, “My mother and Richard arranged my engagement to Percival. What right do you have to dispute it?” “You!” Wendy was infuriated, yet she found no words to retort.

Indeed, what right did she have to deny their engagement? But what gave Vivienne the right to act so brazenly in the Boyd Mansion? Vivienne glanced around the room and spoke calmly, “I've picked up a few dirty tricks over the years. It's one thing to target me, but should anyone lay a finger on my dear Mr. Wolf...” Her glittering smile sent chills down their spines.

Wendy and the others narrowed their eyes. Vivienne indeed knew sdirty tricks.

Yet, though they thought this, no one dared to speak up. Not until they figured out what Vivienne was really up to. After witnessing last night's spectacle, they feared she might have something up her sleeve.

Vivienne pointed at the butler and said, “Fetch a cup of water for the old lady to hold. That's the rule she just established.” Wendy was taken aback, “What rule?” With a sly look in her eye, Vivienne raised an eyebrow. “The person standing must serve water to the head of the family. Do you have any objections?” Wendy cursed inwardly; Vivienne had laid a trap! “Vivienne, don’t push your luck!” Wendy scolded sharply.

Vivienne reclined in her chair, exuding a lazy confidence, “Addressing the head of the family by their first name, are we?” Her tone sent another shiver through Wendy.

She might not take Vivienne seriously, but she couldn't afford to disregard the head of the Boyd family.

The atmosphere tensed as the butler brought Wendy a cup of water, “Madam, you better hold this.” No one wanted to antagonize the new head - it was not worth losing limbs over! Reluctantly, Wendy held the cup, her hands shaking slightly. She had to bide her time; once Percival and Gillian were together, she would deal with this insolent girl! Holding the cup to her chest, she turned to Percival. “I have important matters to discuss with you, my grandson.” Percival frowned at his grandmother. “Grandma, when presenting water to the head, one must bow respectfully.

You're too old not to know such manners.” “You...” “Indeed, Mr. Wolf is correct, as expected from the man | admire,” Vivienne teased, flicking Percival’s chin playfully.

The implication seemed to be, “Smile for me, darling.” Percival caught her wandering hand, bringing her fingertips to his lips for a gentle bite.

Their public display of affection made the elders avert their eyes in discomfort.

Such behavior was an insult to the family’s honor! Wendy had no choice but to comply, bending her weary back. “Percival! Put that down. This is no place for such displays!” Far from letting go, Percival intertwined their fingers further. “Discussing love with my fiancée is my right. Do you have a problem?” Wendy nearly choked on her outrage. Percival’s words, influenced by that wretch Vivienne, were infuriating.

She was about to explode in anger when Eliza tugged at her sleeve.

“Mom, we need to focus on what's important.” Wendy cto her senses, nearly letting the couple’s antics distract her from the agenda.

Regaining her composure, she began, “You've caused the Ashford family’s daughter quite the distress today. You must make amends tomorrow; after all, they are our business partners. Even if you don’t fancy her, you can’t insult her like that.

I've arranged for you to dine at Gillian’s favorite restaurant tomorrow. Just go, have a meal, and offer a sincere apology. Have you got that?”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Percival did not respond, absorbed in studying Vivienne's fingers.

“Percival, I'm talking to you!” Wendy barked with an edge in her voice.

Percival, who had been fiddling with Vivienne’s fingers, finally snapped to attention. “Sorry, | was just buffing the matriarch’s nails. Didn't catch any of that. What did you say?” Wendy, seething with frustration but holding back for the sake of the bigger picture, repeated herself once again.

This time, however, Percival had becdistracted by styling Vivienne’s hair! Back and forth they went, and Wendy's hands began to tremble with irritation, her back aching as if it might snap in two from the stress.

It was not until she could no longer stand it that Percival finally nodded in agreement. “I'll make sure to apologize to Ms. Ashford properly.” Percival, pulling Vivienne to her feet, grinned at Wendy. “Next time, just textfor small stuff like this. There's no need to drag the matriarch into it.” With that, the pair walked out side by side.

Mara could not hold back any longer and shouted, “Vivienne, you're not even married to my brother yet! Where do you think you're taking him?” Vivienne stopped in her tracks and glanced over her shoulder at Mara. “Oh, I've asked your brother to jointonight. In my bedroom.” Percival perked up instantly, thinking, “Join you in your bedroom? Countin! Why wait until tonight?” Vivienne rolled her eyes. “Keep it together, Percival. | was just kidding.” The remark left the Boyd household in utter shock. Such words from a young lady! But before they could fully process it, Vivienne and Percival had already left the Boyd Mansion.

Wendy's cup crashed to the floor, and Eliza swiftly guided her to the couch, “Mom, I'll call the doctor. You just sit tight and rest!”