The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne's words were light, but her eyes sparkled with excitement.

No matter how many times she had seen it, the sight of Percival's chiseled abs never failed to make her swallow in appreciation.

Her slender, fair fingers traced over his toned muscles, while her other arm wrapped around Percival's neck. “Mr. Wolf, have you put on sweight lately? Your six-pack doesn't feel as rock-hard as before." Percival thought to himself, "The cheeky little thing, teasinglike that." He caught her wandering hand in a firm grip, his voice husky, "Don't worry, the real workout starts soon, and I guarantee you'll be more than satisfied." The Hawthorn Family's Soirée.

As a rising star in Rivenwood, Dorian had arranged the evening's reception at a modest yet charming boutique hotel.

The guest list included business associates and sof the newly acquainted local elite.

"I didn't expect such a turnout tonight. It seems that even a down-and-out camel is still bigger than a horse. I thought the Hawthorn family would never bounce back." "What's there to be happy about? I wonder what sort of luck this country bumpkin stumbled upon to get cozy with the Ellingtons. If it weren't for that marriage, do you think anyone would give him the tof day?" "That's why they say Ms. Hawthorn is so cunning. After everything that's happened, Mr. Ellington still stands by her side unwaveringly." Anna, as Vivienne's bodyguard, heard every insult and slander.

"These people!" This was unbearable! Her eyes glinting with fury, she was about to confront them when Vivienne held her back, "Don't stoop to their level. Hitting them would be too good for them." Percival stood by Vivienne's side in a tailored suit, his hand resting on her shoulder.

"Thomas, look into their companies. Since they have so much idle time, let's keep them busy." Thomas nodded. "Don't worry, Percival, they won't get off easy." To mess with the family of Vivienne? They were truly courting death! "Vivienne!" Just then, a chorus of excited young voices approached.

Vivienne didn't flinch, instead, she stooped slightly to embrace the children hugging her from either side. "Amelia's here too. You two rascals, make sure you and your friends have a blast today." Isolde nodded vigorously. "Don't worry, Vivienne! I won't let Thaddeus bully Amelia!" "That's nonsense!" Thaddeus stamped his foot and said, "I didn't bully Amelia, right?" He turned, his gaze falling on Amelia.

The little girl was dressed in a frock that Vivienne had made especially for her, looking timid at her first high- society event.

Thaddeus's defensive tone startled her.

Clutching the hem of her dress, Amelia nodded shyly and said, "No. Thaddeus didn't bully me, er, Ms. Hawthorn." The awkward formality made Vivienne frown slightly.

Before she could speak, Kala, in an elegant cream mermaid gown, approached with a graceful stride, her face beautifully made up under the crystal chandeliers. "Vivienne, when did you arrive? I've been watching the door and didn't even see you." She linked arms with Vivienne, completely encircling her with the children.

Percival, squeezed out to the side, wore a look of brooding frustration, causing Thomas following behind to lower his head, struggling to suppress a chuckle.

Percival asked, "Something funny?" Thomas shook his head hastily. "No, it's just that... I was just...” Blast it, why couldn't he control his own smile! "Percival, I didn't expect to see you here!" A soft, melodious voice rang out, and as everyone's attention was momentarily captured by the newcomers, it reverted back to Percival.

Her soft tone made Percival's skin crawl. He dodged the woman lunging at him and said, "Vivienne, I don't know her." He took his place behind Vivienne, his deep eyes not once glancing at the other woman, instead, looking earnestly at Vivienne.

What a king.

Since when had Mr. Wolf adopted this style? Vivienne massaged her temples, remembering when she first met Percival; he was the epitof cool and arrogant. As twent on, he seemed to becmore and more offbeat.

Thomas was like, "No, ma'am, Percival has been like this ever since he started dating you. Haven't you noticed?" Kala sneaked a glance at Percival, frowning at the interruption. "Ms. Grimshaw, we know you're smitten. But even as a rising starlet, you don't need to throw yourself at every man you see!" "Let go of me! Do you know who I am?" Ramona Grimshaw struggled against Thomas's grip, fuming, "Who are you to touch me? Percival, don't you remember me? I'm Ramona, I was at your company's annual gala with the VP." Ramona in a pink mini-dress saw Percival and her demeanor changed instantly, "You even gavedirections there." Vivienne's cold gaze shifted to Percival.

Without hesitation, she met his affectionate look "I don't remember her. Thomas, throw her out." "Right away!" Thomas effortlessly lifted her, heading towards the door.

Ramona's hand clutched at his wrist, about to make a move. In that moment, a gaze as sharp as a sword pinned her in place.

Ramona froze, holding back the urge to look away. Her mouth opened and closed, protesting, "Letgo! I am the new brand ambassador of the Hawthorn Group, you can't treatlike this!" The new brand ambassador of the Hawthorn Group? Vivienne's eyes flickered with a glint of surprise as she turned to face Kala. “I remember my dad only signed you as the brand ambassador. Who is she supposed to be?"

Kala's expression was tainted with distaste, "Didn't your father tell you? Ramona is the new darling the m investors are pushing. In just three months, she went from a complete nobody to the hottest sensation in town." Nobody seemed to know what Ramona did before her meteoric rise.

Kala had tried to dig up sdirt on her but found that Ramona's past was squeaky clean, which was unnerving.

Her ascent was alarmingly rapid, and within a few months, she hadbeca rival to Kala's team. The buzz was that Ramona had been shoehorned into the Hawthorn family endorsement deal by the higher-ups. Vivienne was clueless about all this.

At that moment, Dorian had noticed the commotion and hurried over. He was struckBooks Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates...

by the sight of Ramona, being restrained by Thomas.

"Thomas, what on earth are you doing? Please let Ms. Grimshaw go." Thomas remained still, his questioning gaze shifting to Percival.

With a slight nod from the man, Thomas finally eased his grip.

Ramona shrugged off his hold and dashed towards Dorian, “Mr. Hawthorn, is this how you treat your quests? Don't think you're anything how special just because your daughter hitched her wagon to the Ellingtons. A country bumpkin like you trying to compete with me? Please!" X