The Million-Dollar Heart

Aaron eyed Kenneth with a frosty gaze.

"Spit it out. I don't have all day for your blather," he said, not in the mood for Kenneth's usual nonsense.

Kenneth fell silent momentarily, then muttered, "Word on the street is you played the hero for Vivienne. Right now, my brother Percival is probably playing doctor with her in the hospital room; might as well be swapping spit already."

Aaron bolted upright, nearly tearing his stitches. "What did you say? Vivienne is so young. Has Percival no shame?"

"Oh, don't pin it on my brother. It's Vivienne who's been throwing herself at him!" Kenneth's face darkened instantly.

"Bullshit!" Aaron snapped back.

"I don't spout crap like you do!" Kenneth retorted coldly.

Aaron took a breath, trying to keep his cool. "What exactly do you want to tell me?"

Kenneth glanced back at the closed door of the ward, then leaned in closer to Aaron as if sharing a secret.

Aaron pushed him away, disgusted. "We're alone in here. Just get to the point."

"What if we team up to keep Vivienne away from my brother? What do you say?" Kenneth was not skulking around anymore; he had had this idea for quite some time.

Aaron's actions had proved his deep feelings for Vivienne, making him the perfect ally in Kenneth's plot to break her away from Percival.

Aaron eyed Kenneth skeptically. "Team up? How?"

They whispered back and forth until Mark strolled in with a doctor.

Kenneth's presence surprised Mark as much as Bennett and the others earlier.

"Kenneth, here to see Aaron, are you? Thanks for caring," Mark said, the picture of warmth.

it was Kenneth's cue to leave

on the shoulder, "No need for formalities,

off, eager for him to leave. "Get out

pulled back his hand, shooting Aaron meaningful glances, his eyes saying, "Don't forget our

exhaled heavily, suddenly wondering if teaming up with Kenneth

then," Kenneth

the doctor gave Aaron a thorough check before Mark finally

at his son with concern. "Don't be so reckless next time. What if something serious

most," Aaron said nonchalantly, seeing his father more as a means to an end to become the Miller family heir and secure the power to

"Still, you're not the one to protect her. No more dangerous

not argue further, as he never intended

Richard's birthday bash, right?" Aaron changed the

softened. "Yes, what about

you," Aaron said, a subtle

"You

is essential, right?" Aaron challenged, "Or do you think my status as a bastard son isn't fitting to accompany

birthday was a grand affair in the Ellington

elite made the list, and many business deals were

attend, surprising and delighting Mark, who said, "I didn't mean that, Aaron.

closed the topic and rested

wanted to talk more, but seeing his son's disinterest, he stayed silent, aware that Aaron was not quick

hospital after only two days, and he would have left sooner if Vivienne had not insisted he stay. Thomas needed more time to heal, and even though Vivienne had mended his leg, proper rest was critical to avoid future complications. With Thomas indisposed, Leopold took over his

your chauffeur now, Mr. Ellington? Are you

him coolly. "What's the problem? You used to

I didn't know you were whisking away Vivienne. Now that I know, you expect me to..." He suddenly stopped,

watch them

His patience had limits!

was already showing restraint

to