The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival waved his hand, summoning the servants who were hesitating in the shadows. They dared not approach, but fear of Percival made them comply.

“Get in there and separate the men from the women,” Percival instructed, spinning Vivienne around so she would not peek.

The servants hesitated, their hearts pounding with trepidation. They had no clue what was happening inside, but the mere thought of the wolves prowling the estate was enough to chill their bones.

Percival cast a nonchalant glance at them. “The wolves won't bite you.” Despite his assurance, the servants remained rooted to the spot in fear.

Raising an eyebrow, Percival’s tone remained casual yet firm, “Not going?” His words were light, but the servants felt a shiver run down their spines—not so much from Percival himself, but from the drooling wolves eyeing them from behind.

Frightened, they scurried off to the main hall.

The sight that greeted them was astonishing—everyone stark naked! And it seemed the wolves really had not bitten anyone! The servants approached, whispering to the confused butler, “Sir, Madam ordered us to separate the men and women.” Snapping back to reality, the butler quickly commanded, “Do it then!” He realized the wolves were not attacking anyone. They must belong to Percival and Vivienne, who had smysterious control over them.

Though ignorant of their motives, the butler was concerrf about the family’s dignity. If word got out that the Boyds were caught in such a scandalous state, it would be a disaster not just for the family’s reputation but for his position as well.

With the butler’s word, the servants hurriedly escorted the women upstairs.

The Boyds, still in shock, followed without protest.

Soon after, Percival and Vivienne entered the now male-only main hall. Percival’s face turned green at the sight.

He reached to cover Vivienne’s eyes but noticed her looking disdainfully at the Boyd men, “Tsk, so small!” Percival was speechless. His little lady seemed a bit too interested in the opposite sex. What to do? He needed advice—and fast! Sensing his intent to cover her eyes, Vivienne spoke lazily, “Mr. Wolf, don’t bother. There's nothing worth seeing here. I'm heading upstairs.” She walked away, shaking her head in mock regret.

Percival, massaging his temples, felt utterly helpless.

Upstairs, Wendy was still unconscious.

When Vivienne sauntered in, Teresa and Nancy were protecting their daughters, preparing to dress them. Her captivating gaze scanned the room before she crossed her arms and watched them with apparent amusement.

“Vivienne! You wretch, did you orchestrate this? What have the Boyds ever done to you to deserve such treatment?” Teresa exploded at the sight of Vivienne.

The women were still too shaken to think clearly.

Seeing Vivienne enter untouched, they had no doubts—she and Percival were behind the wolves.

Nancy, Mara, and Margot joined Teresa in their fury.

“You heartless thing, you're part of Percival’s family, his fiancée no less! Aren't you afraid of your future mother- in-law’s wrath?” “Vivienne, a person as vile as you is no match for my brother!” Vivienne just stood there, silently enduring their tirade.

Once they exhausted themselves, Vivienne smirked. Ignoring them, she approached Wendy and skillfully inserted a silver needle, waking her.

Consumed by rage, Wendy lashed out at Vivienne the moment she saw her. “You scoundrel! You dare set wolves on us! I'll kill you, you!” Thoughts of how Vivienne could control so many wolves were beyond her—she was consumed by the humiliation of being stripped bare in front of her son, grandson, and butler, all because of Vivienne.

Wendy's strike did not reach Vivienne, who caught her hand and snapped it with a swift twist.

Wendy screamed in agony.

Vivienne bent down, examining the broken hand. “Well-maintained, but poorly used. Since you can’t use it properly, should I just chop it off?” “You wouldn't dare!” Wendy spat through clenched teeth, disbelieving that Vivienne would go that far in a law- governed society.

Vivienne's smile widened, “Oh, there's a lot | dare to do. Like—burying someone alive? Poisoning? Maiming? Throwing someone to the dogs? Or maybe the wolves?” Resting her chin on her hand, her smile grew chillingly beautiful, “Chopping off a hand is the least of my daring deeds.” Wendy recoiled instinctively, viewing Vivienne as a demoness. Although Vivienne was smiling, a coldness seemed to emanate from her, heavier than the chill of hell itself.

Wendy did not believe Vivienne would actually do it, but that evil smile made her panic.

“You... you can’t! I'm Percival’s grandmother! When you marry him, you'll have to callthat, too!” Wendy, desperate, tried to reason with Vivienne.

All she wanted now was to save her hand.

Vivienne laughed again. “Didn’t you say you don’t acknowledgeas your granddaughter-in-law? Changed your mind now?” Wendy was speechless.

She barely opened her mouth when Vivienne cut her off, “There's something that’s been bugging me. Why do you think you're such a big shot?”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

Wendy was puzzled by her remark and did not dare to respond.

“Mr. Wolf is the grandson of the prestigious Ellington family, and Richard and his parents are arranging his marriage. And you, a grandmother who hasn’t been in touch for years, where do you get the nerve to object to my marriage to Mr. Wolf?” Vivienne spoke with deliberate slowness, neither hurried nor dragged.

“I am his grandmother, and naturally, | have a say in his marriage,” Wendy asserted.

“Oh, please!” Vivienne glanced at her dismissively, “Give you an inch, and you take a mile, don’t you?” Wendy had never been so insulted by someone younger, and anger was starting to flare, “Vivienne, what exactly are you trying to pull?” Despite her rage, she held back from lashing out.

Her hand was still in Vivienne’'s grip, after all.

If Vivienne lost her temper and really went through with it, Wendy might as well wish she were dead.

Vivienne’s lips curled into a sinister smile as her gaze fell back on Wendy's almost broken hand. “I fancy myself a bit of a chef, you know. Your well-pampered hand here would probably make a delicious stew!” She glanced at the others who had recoiled in fear after she had broken Wendy's hand, her smile widening.

“Perhaps | should make a broth out of it for them to enjoy!”