The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Maddox's voice carried a hint of mockery.

It was no wonder he looked down on the Boyds; after all, what they coveted had always belonged to the Perez family. The Boyds had stolen the secrets years ago, yet they had made no progress. And now, they were still obsessively clinging to it.

Theft had apparently bectheir legacy.

Vivienne could understand, though. After all, heirlooms handed down through generations often becseen as rightful possessions by the descendants.

But why were the Boyds, with their advanced bionic tech and contracts in hand, still seeking collaboration with the Ashfords? Was it possible they could not even decipher the contract themselves? “Uncle, who did the Boyds draft this contract with?” Vivienne inquired.

Maddox looked down, his brows knitting together. After a moment, he spoke gravely, “The Perez family actually initiated this contract. It includes all the technical concepts and outlines for bionic technology. When the Boyds stole it, the Perez family did not draft a new one or seek other partnerships. Instead, they decided to research on their own. However, to be precise, the project was shelved.” Maddox did not specify the other party of the contract, but Vivienne understood.

Sancient warrior lineages worked for the nation; this partner must be the government.

She did not press further, content with knowing the contract's contents. The bionic tech from back then was no longer a secret; even as a child, Vivienne had been aware of it.

Her mother had shared the basics of bionic tech with her but had not divulged much, nor had she involved Vivienne in the work. The Ashfords were tasked with developing sof the more sensitive components.

After her mother’s death, Vivienne had stayed away WEL 5 world, sequestered in a spiritual retreat, never meddling with bionic tech again.

Now, Vivienne was sure that the Boyds’ intent in collaborating with the Ashfords was to reclaim their stolen technology.

“I've got it, Uncle. Thanks,” Vivienne said, tucking the notebook away.

Maddox let go of the severity that did not quite suit him and smiled. “Hungry? Lettreat you to something.” Vivienne shook her head. “Nah, you should think about how to calm Grandpa down and get your credit cards back.” “You little snitch, you rattedout to your grandpa,” Maddox sighed, feigning betrayal. “All my kindness for naught.” Vivienne’s cheeks flushed at the memory of that pink-hued night. She put on her sunglasses. “Mr. Wolf is waiting to have lunch with me. | should go.” “Go on then, ditch your uncle for your beau,” Maddox waved her off, indicating she was free to leave.

Yet, he remained seated.

Vivienne smiled and stood up to leave.

As she walked out, a poised woman crossed her path. Her attire screamed wealth and status.

They brushed past each other, and Vivienne caught a whiff of a familiar fragrance - “Ephemeral,” a perfshe had once crafted. After its launch, a mysterious buyer snapped it up, and later, she discovered that the buyer was the Perez family! The woman glanced at Vivienne but quickly averted her gaze without any sign of recognition.

Vivienne slowed her pace, hearing the woman's voice behind her. “Maddox, | knew it was you! Saw you from outside. What brings you here, a date?” “Willa’s not around. Who am | supposed to date? What are you doing here?” Leaving the café, Vivienne had already pieced together the woman's identity.

Diana Perez, one of the Perez family’s heiress.

Diana sat opposite Maddox, glancing at the departing Vivienne. “Maddox, was that the girl Dad took under his wing, Vivienne?” Maddox finished his coffee as if it were water and said curtly, “That's none of your concern.” Diana's voice was tinged with hurt. “Maddox, | just wanted to help out. Why pushaway? I just wanted to get to know Vivienne; after all, we're family.” “Diana, Vivienne doesn't like to be disturbed. You're better off staying at hor shopping the beauty salons.” Maddox put on his sunglasses and was about to leave.

“Maddox, when can | join the company?” Diana stood up and stopped Maddox. “I’m old enough, and even Dad said | should get sexperience, and Luke wantsto go, too. Why won't you agree?” Maddox peered at her through his dark shades, his gaze intense. “If I'm not mistaken, you're thirty-five this year, right? It's high tyou found someone and settled down. That way, Dad can rest easy. You grew up in the Perez household; naturally, you'll have your share. You don’t need to enter the company to claim your inheritance.” “That's not what | meant...” Maddox cut her off sharply, his voice cold. “Then why were you snooping around for the contents of Dad's will?” Exposed, Diana stood speechless, her pride wounded. Maddox had lost his patience. “Whatever your reasons, Diana, I'll let it slide this time. But if there's a next time, | won't be so lenient.” Diana stepped aside, allowing Maddox to leave. She watched him exit the café, her eyes filling with resentment.

In the Perez family, only she and Willa were outsiders.

However, Willa was the darling of the whole family, while she was practically invisible, never even a blip on their radar! That Willa was even the child of the family’s enemy! Why, oh why! Just because Maddox liked her? And then there was Vivienne, who had not even set foot in the Perez household yet and was already the apple of their eye.

Her sis-in-law even went out of her way to prepare the finest room for Vivienne to stay in.

She decorated it with more care than her son's room.

“I changed the paternity test! How did this happen?” Diana clenched her fists tightly, thinking.

After getting the paternity test from the hospital, she knew that Vivienne was the daughter of Sasha, who had been missing from the Perez family for thirty years.

Missing for thirty years, why did she have to show up now? Diana felt aggrieved. One Willa was torment enough; with a granddaughter returning, her position in the Perez family was even more precarious.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

So, she altered the report, ensuring Vivienne could never reclaim her place in the Perez family.

And yet, even stripped of her blood ties, Vivienne had becan adopted granddaughter.

Why was life so damn unfair! She slaved away, caring for the Perez family, so why did nobody like her? Suddenly, a voice called behind her, “Miss Perez, staring won't make him turn back.” Startled, Diana turned around and saw a stunning bombshell with curves in all the right places, her cascading hair partially covering her shoulders. She took a seat where Maddox had just been sitting.

“Who are you?” Diana asked warily.

The woman gave a sultry smile and tapped the table, “Sit down, let's chat.” Diana looked around; nothing seemed amiss, so she sat down but remained on guard, “What do you want to talk about?” The woman ordered an Americano, took a sip, and then licked her lips with an air of satisfaction, “Letintroduce myself. I'm F-Poison.” Diana was shocked to her core! This woman was F-Poison.

But was F-Poison not supposed to be a man?