The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Asher quirked an eyebrow. His voice always softened when he spoke to beautiful women. "Madeline, you sure have a way with words that Gavin lacks. But my mind's made up. Tell Gavin to get his act together. Don't worry about me. I'm not after any secret recipe. Truth be told, I've got a bone to pick with Vivienne. This time, I'm going after her!" Sophie sashayed into the room. "Dad, just say yes. Mr. Grimshaw wants to lend a hand. With the Ellingtons backing Vivienne, it wouldn't hurt to have more muscle on our side, right?" She placed a plate of pastries in front of Asher, her eyes shy and flirty. "Mr. Grimshaw, I made these treats myself. They're best enjoyed with a cup of coffee. Please, have a taste." Asher's gaze lingered briefly on Sophie's face, clearly seeing through her manipulations and seduction.

His lips curved into a subtle smirk, casting a meaningful glance at the frowning Gavin as he picked a pastry. "Not bad at all. Gavin, your wife is thoughtful, and your daughter has skills. You're one lucky guy." Gavin managed a forced smile. "You're flattering me. Please, eat as much as you'd like." His eyes darkened as they swept over Sophie and Madeline. "Since you're so set on going, I'll round up sextra men. Once we've got Vivienne, you can do as you please with her." In the quiet suburb of Rivenwood, Vivienne had notified Gavin of the new meeting time, considering they still had a court session to attend.

In a secluded forest stood a dilapidated factory, where Vivienne, clad in black leather, her hair pulled into a high ponytail, stood guard beside Kaitlyn like the most devoted bodyguard, flanked by ten young men in black hoodies, each exuding a chilling aura that made Asher and his crew hesitate for a moment upon entering.

Asher's pride was wounded, and his face darkened as he locked his venomous gaze on Vivienne, never wavering.

Vivienne, oblivious to the tension, looked past Asher to Gavin, her voice icy, "Gavin, did you bring it?" Gavin's face was stone cold. "I should be asking you that, Ms. Hawthorn. Where's the secret recipe?" Vivienne lightly shook the wooden box in Kaitlyn's hands, drawing everyone's attention.

Her lips curled into a taunting smile. "Where's my item?" Asher, annoyed by Vivienne's youthful yet unflappable demeanor, scoffed and gestured. Then a man approached carrying two urns.

"Ms. Hawthorn, sometimes I really admire your confidence. But tell me, what makes you think you can negotiate with us now?" With that, Asher's demeanor shifted suddenly, "Hand it over now, or don't blus for getting rough!" Vivienne scoffed, opened the box, and took out an aged piece of paper.

Gavin tensed, about to lunge forward, when a bright red glow and the dance of flames caught everyone's eyes.

The warm orange hue hovered beneath the paper as Vivienne held it there, causing Gavin and Asher's hearts to leap into their throats. "Vivienne, what are you doing?" "You're mad!" Her smile wicked and fearless, Vivienne taunted, "Wouldn't it be fun to turn this recipe to ash?" The flames inched closer to the paper.

Gavin shot Asher a reproachful glance, cursing inwardly, "You useless trash! Why did you have to provoke her? Haven't been put in your place by her yet, have you?" "Who do you think you are?" Just as Gavin was about to cave, Asher snatched the urns and held them aloft. "Trying to threaten me? You're still wet behind the ears. Hand over the goods, or I swear, I'll scatter these ashes to the wind!" "No!" Kaitlyn screamed out, clinging to Vivienne's arm. "Just give them what they want, Vivienne. I don't need it anymore; I just want my parents back!" Tears streamed down her face.

Vivienne's brows twitched, seemingly reluctant.

Yet she had no choice but to lower her hand, licking her back teeth in frustration as she handed over the secret recipe to Asher's smug grin. "Here, take it, and give us Kaitlyn's parents' ashes." "Give you?" Asher's eyes gleamed with malice, then suddenly feigned outrage as if he were a master of disguise. "You cunning Vivienne, giving us a fake recipe and expecting the ashes in return? Dream on!" "Men!" At Asher's command, the black-clad guards stepped forward.

"Take her! I want her interrogated at the Grimshaw estate!" "Yes, sir!" Vivienne's clear eyes turned to ice, a mocking laugh escaping her. "You think you can capture me? Let's see if you're up to the task!" Asher said, "Today, you won't escape. The Grimshaw dungeons are ready for you." "Really?" Vivienne dodged the guards' attacks.

Whoosh! Dozens of silver needles flew! Gavin's pupils dilated as he swiftly dodged to the side, rolling to a corner of the factory, his men scattering in all directions.

The factory door, once tightly sealed, was now wide open to Vivienne and her allies.

Asher, dodging needles, roared in rage, "Idiots! Who told you to move?" Gavin, scolded yet again, didn't dare to speak. Silently, he tucked away the barely perceptible chill in his eyes, huddled in a corner, watching the tussle between Vivienne and Asher.

It all happened so fast.

Vivienne's sudden shift in position gave them no tto strategize.

The people we brought stood no chance against Vivienne's group, and even Asher was slowly losing ground in his fight with Vivienne.

Useless! Gavin's frosty eyes flickered with scorn.

Pretending to be the big shot in front.

of him? He couldn't even beat Vivienne, a mere kid. If he could just outlast Oliver Grimshaw, when Asher takes over as the patriarch of the Grimshaw family, who ends up on top was anybody's guess! S "Gavin, what are you spacing out for?" Watching himself getting outmatched by Vivienne, Asher's eyes bore no shame. Instead, they shot an accusing glare at Gavin. "I didn't ask you to cto watch the show. Helpout, for God's sake!" Vivienne's smile hadn't faded for a second.

Gavin spoke up, "Vivienne, stop! Have you forgotten what we have?" The familiar voice echoed, andAsher's tense expression slowly relaxed. Arrogance and triumph gathered in his eyes again. Even pushed to the limit by Vivienne, his excitement made him tremble. "Hold right there, Ms. Hawthorn. If you Keep this up, that urn is going to be indistinguishable from the dirt!" "It doesn't matter anymore." "What did you say?" Her lighthearted tone, as if drifting from nothingness, made Asher's expression falter.

He was silent for a moment, then let el et out a laugh, turning to Kaitlyn, who was shielded by the others. "Mrs. Littleton, Ms. Hawthorn says she doesn't mind scattering your parents' ashes to the wind! What do you think about that?"