The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

At dusk, the fading sunlight filtered through the window, casting a rosy glow on Alyssa's face.

She was hunched over her computer, her gaze venomous, her usually gentle features twisted in malice, growing more ferocious by the minute.

Scrolling through the aufiles she had uploaded herself, the intewas in an uproar. The barrage of insults demanded Sasha leave Veridia and forbade her marriage to Arthur, her lips curling into a sinister smile.

Excitement sparkled in her eyes as she prepared to upload a video that would incite even greater outrage among the netizens. If they stormed Arthur and Sasha's wedding tomorrow, how could they possibly go through with it? The thought only fueled her excitement as she edited a video, dubbing over it with Sasha's voice before releasing it into the wild. The video showcased the moment Alyssa had fallen into the water while picking lotuses.

With a splash, Alyssa dropped into the water, desperately screaming for help. On the screen, Sasha stood by, utterly indifferent. The scene shifted to five-year-old Winston hurriedly extending a bamboo pole towards Alyssa, while Sasha remained on the sidelines, seemingly enjoying the spectacle.

In the hospital, Alyssa couldn't hold back her tears as she confronted Sasha, asking why she had acted so cruelly.

Sasha's response was dismissive, countering with scorn that her own happiness was all that mattered.

Soon enough, the online masses couldn't help but flock to the post to leave their comments, filled with righteous indignation and fury.

"First, there's Sasha's audio, now there's video evidence. This is irrefutable proof!" "Can she even be considered human? She values life so little!" "To think someone like her dares to marry the War God. I'll personally see to it she pays tomorrow!" "To be so indifferent towards a child, her malice knows no bounds!" "Shocking, this video sends chills down my spine. Is this how a so-called genius regards human life?" "I'm calling the police! Lock her up and throw away the key!" "Who recorded this? I bet even the servants in the Linklater family couldn't stand her wicked deeds." Alyssa's laughter filled the room, a sound that chilled to the bone, her eyes gleaming with hatred, relishing in her revenge. Sasha, this is what you get for competing withfor Arthur! I'll ruin your reputation, make you despised by everyone. When people think of the War God, you'll be nothing but a stain on his legacy! Your existence will only bring him shame; you'll never be worthy of him! A gentle knock interrupted her thoughts, and Alyssa, with a lift in her tone, beckoned, "Enter!" Brianna entered, her face as lovely as a blooming flower, smiling as she spoke in a soft voice, "Congratulations, sister. It seems your trip with Winston was a success!" Alyssa stood up, grasping her hand, unable to hide her pride, "Thanks to your advice, Brianna. I couldn't have done it without you. You played a crucial role!" Brianna covered her mouth, giggling, "Seeing sister's plan coming to fruition, I thought I'd offer my congratulations in advance~" Alyssa smiled, "Don't worry, Brianna. I haven't forgotten your contribution." Just then, a phone rang urgently.

Alyssa glanced at the caller ID, her face softening in apology to Brianna, "I've got a call, Brianna. We'll catch up later, and I'll take you shopping. Pick whatever you like." Brianna, ever astute, understood the importance of the call and nodded, excusing herself.

Alyssa answered, her face alight with joy as she continued to browse through the overwhelmingly negative comments about Sasha.

"How do you feel now, triumphant? My brother and Sasha might not even get married tomorrow!" Dracon's voice cfrom the other end.

Alyssa's smile broadened, "Dracon, I haven't forgotten the favor you've done me. Is there a way to ensure their wedding doesn't happen at all?" Dracon's contempt for Sasha was no secret. To prevent her marriage into the Linklater family, he was willing to aid Alyssa, needing only the final push to seal their fate.

Dracon spoke slowly, "I have a plan that could prevent their wedding tomorrow. I have something, but we need to meet in person to discuss it." Without hesitation, Alyssa agreed, "Great, your help with the recording equipment and software was invaluable. Sasha wouldn't be facing this backlash otherwise." "Where shall we meet? Sendthe address." After a brief agreement, Dracon ended the call.

Dracon had chosen a private booth for their meeting, ensuring utmost privacy.

Upon arrival, Alyssa's guard dropped slightly.

Dracon was fully masked and hooded, concealing his identity thoroughly.

Alyssa frowned slightly at his appearance, "Dracon, why all the secrecy for meeting me? Are you still wary of me?" Dracon chuckled, amused by her question, "You're overthinking it. I'm not wary of you; I'm cautious of the Linklater family. Ever since you exposed those manipulated audios and videos to frSasha, they've been on high alert. If someone spotsmeeting you, my brother would be the first to confront me." Content belongs to en.swAlyssa tapped her fingers on the table, rhythmically, her voice laced with a hint of admiration, "You know, I didn't see it coming. Dracon, you're quite the schemer." Dracon let out a chuckle, then his voice took on a serious note, "Did you bring the original auand video recordings I asked you to?" A slight frown creased Alyssa's forehead, almost imperceptible, as she replied with a light laugh, "I did, but why exactly do you need them?" Dracon's expression grew stern, "That's precisely why I wanted us to meet today. Right now, Sasha and her crew can't prove the truth, so your recordings could play a pivotal role." "What role?" Alyssa asked, hesitation in her voice.

et "What if we use your recordings to create evidence that Sasha committed murder? Imagine the outcome," Dracon mused, sipping his coffee slowly, his eyelashes fluttering, fingers tightening around the cup. Content belongs to en.swEven as he spoke, he could hardly believe his own suggestion. Manipulating auwas one thing, but creating a convincing video? At best, it could get Sasha detained for a few days before she's released.

"The Linklater family would never accept a woman tainted by crime!" mmMwWLlilOfiflo&1 mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLlilOfiflo&1 mmMwWLliI0fifl0&1 mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1