The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne could not help but think it probably would not be that easy.

This kind of thing, straight out of a fantasy , had her utterly gobsmacked.

Telekinesis? It sounded like something out of a fairy tale.

But her shock didn’t last long. Vivienne was the type to believe that the world was full of wonders beyond the grasp of her imagination.

“So that’s how it is. Quite fascinating,” she mused.

As they spoke, their takeout arrived. Thus, the two of them chatted away while chowing down.

Vivienne crunched on a piece of crispy duck skin, saying, “I've heard that these ancient warrior lineages are usually hidden from the world. So why did the Martinez family decide to go public? And what about the Boyd family? Why were they kicked out of this secret society?” Gnawing on a duck drumstick, Maddox replied, “A big part of why the Boyd family got the boot was their restlessness. They were too greedy, trying to use the power and prestige of the ancient warrior lineage to monopolize the market and control the economy. They even harassed the Martinez family, attempting to snatch away their arms-dealing rights. After their schwas exposed, they decided to exile them and neutralize their special techniques so they could not pass them on and cause more trouble.

As for why our family and the Martinez family decided to go public...” Maddox belched, “Well, that’s a long story.

You might've heard about that one family that crossed the lineage and then vanished overnight?” Vivienne nodded. “I've heard rumors. How did they manage to offend the ancient warrior lineage? Does it have anything to do with the Perez or the Martinez families?” “We're all quite peaceable,” Maddox said, taking a swig of cola. “The family that got wiped out was also part of the lineage but more on the fringes. Their surnwas Sheldon.” Vivienne’s grip tightened. [x] Sheldon! There was only one Sheldon that she knew of - Finnian! Finnian, whose real nwas Ulysses Sheldon.

And she had never known that Finnian was part of the ancient warrior lineage.

Maddox continued, “The Sheldon family’s forte was more mystical - they were seers.” Now, Vivienne was certain Finnian was the last of the Sheldons Maddox spoke of.

After all, only she knew the extent of Finnian’s abilities.

And Finnian had passed all of his skills on to her, even though she had not yet gained the “second sight.” “The Sheldons were respected within the lineage, though they were outliers. Your grandfather, in particular, was quite fond of them. He and the young Sheldon heir were close friends back in the day, though it’s all ancient history now,” Maddox added.

Vivienne gathered herself before asking, “Why were the Sheldons hunted down when the Boyds were merely expelled? What led to their downfall?” “The details are murky, even to your grandfather. Ssay the Sheldons were struck by divine retribution; others claim they miscalculated something crucial, leading to their demise. But no one knows for sure.

After that, fractures formed within the lineage. Not outright hostility, but the unity was definitely shaken.” Maddox picked up a duck foot and chewed thoughtfully. “Our family went public under your grandfather's leadership - the first to do so.” Vivienne’s thoughts were a whirlwind. “Why did he choose to go public? Was it because of the Sheldons?” Maddox briefly considered, then said, “He never said, but I think so. After the Sheldons vanished without a trace, not to be spoken of again, it must've weighed on him. He's always valued loyalty, and the disappearance of his close friend could not have been easy to accept. The others in the lineage did not understand. My grandfather did not object, either. Besides, there are so many rules within the lineage. Dad was always a bit of a rebel. Going public gave him more freedom.” Seeing Vivienne’s solemn expression, Maddox inquired, “What's on your mind, Vivienne?” She shook her head. “What's the difference between living in the open and staying hidden? Aren't we all still serving the spurpose, still holding onto the title of the ancient warrior lineage? Why do all but the Perez and Martinez families choose to remain in the shadows?” Maddox chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes as he leaned in and said, “Vivienne, do you know why the gods never walk among us mortals?” Vivienne paused, her expression pensive, but she quickly grasped the meaning behind Maddox's words.

The ancient warrior lineage was like the deities enshrined within a cathedral to the common folk—revered in whispers, their presence felt but never seen.

This reverence was precisely why mentioning the ancient warrior lineage inspired awe.

But if they were to walk the earth, indistinguishable from the average Joe, it would inevitably lead to their assimilation by other prominent families, no longer perched on their lofty pedestals.

Even with immense power and wealth, they would not command the srespect.

After all, who would not revel in adoration? It seemed sfrom the ancient warrior lineage fancied themselves as gods above all.

Generations of privilege had convinced them of their superior status, untouchable by mere mortals.

No wonder they could obliterate an entire family without a second thought.

“Did Grandpa face opposition from the other families when he chose to live among the public?” Vivienne inquired.

Maddox waved dismissively. “Don’t be fooled by your grandpa’s kind demeanor now. Back in his day, he was fierce. My granddad used to tell stories about when our family decided to step into the spotlight. The others threatened, saying if the Perez family lost its mystique, it would lose its privileges. Dad challenged each family head to try and take down the Perezes like they did the Sheldons, to see who'd fall first.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Vivienne laughed, finally understanding where her uncle’s fiery temper cfrom. “Grandpa really is something else.” “Indeed, or else why would he always scold us for lacking spirit, calling us soft? Remindsof Sasha. Her personality was very similar to Dad's,” Maddox said with a smile, thinking of his sister. “Your mom, when she was young, was cornered by a bunch of kids from other ancient warrior lineages. She stood her ground and fought them off single-handedly.

| thought we'd be rushing in to help, but it turned out we had to break up the fight instead.” Reminiscing softened Maddox's features, but the mention of Sasha brought a shadow of grief.

He gripped the soda can in his hand tightly. “Whoever played dirty behind the scenes, | won't let them off the hook! | will find out who's responsible for Sasha's disappearance!” Vivienne nodded in agreement, her curiosity piqued “Uncle, do you have any idea who wouldn't wantto recognize my own grandfather?” “Who else but Diana? And I've always suspected that Sasha's disappearance and Willa’s running away are somehow tied to her,” Maddox concluded with a firm resolve.