The Million-Dollar Heart

Maddox's voice carried a hint of mockery.

It was no wonder he looked down on the Boyds; after all, what they coveted had always belonged to the Perez family. The Boyds had stolen the secrets years ago, yet they had made no progress. And now, they were still obsessively clinging to it.

Theft had apparently become their legacy.

Vivienne could understand, though. After all, heirlooms handed down through generations often became seen as rightful possessions by the descendants.

But why were the Boyds, with their advanced bionic tech and contracts in hand, still seeking collaboration with the Ashfords? Was it possible they could not even decipher the contract themselves? "Uncle, who did the Boyds draft this contract with?" Vivienne inquired.

Maddox looked down, his brows knitting together. After a moment, he spoke gravely, "The Perez family actually initiated this contract. It includes all the technical concepts and outlines for bionic technology. When the Boyds stole it, the Perez family did not draft a new one or seek other partnerships. Instead, they decided to research on their own. However, to be precise, the project was shelved."

Maddox did not specify the other party of the contract, but Vivienne understood.

Some ancient warrior lineages worked for the nation; this partner must be the government.

She did not press further, content with knowing the contract's contents. The bionic tech from back then was no longer a secret; even as a child, Vivienne had been aware of it.

Her mother had shared the basics of bionic tech with her but had not divulged much, nor had she involved Vivienne in the work. The Ashfords were tasked with developing some of the more sensitive components.

After her mother's death, Vivienne had stayed away from the world, sequestered in a spiritual retreat, never meddling with bionic tech again.

Now, Vivienne was sure that the Boyds' intent in collaborating with the Ashfords was to reclaim their stolen technology.

"I've got it, Uncle. Thanks," Vivienne said, tucking the notebook away.

Maddox let go of the severity that did not quite suit him and smiled. "Hungry? Let me treat you to something."

Vivienne shook her head. "Nah, you should think about how to calm Grandpa down and get your credit cards back."

little snitch, you ratted me out to your grandpa," Maddox sighed, feigning

put on her

your uncle for your beau," Maddox waved her off, indicating she was free

Yet, he remained seated.

stood up to

she walked out, a poised woman crossed her path.

a familiar fragrance - "Ephemeral," a perfume she had once crafted. After its launch, a mysterious buyer snapped it up, and later, she discovered that the buyer

quickly averted

hearing the woman's voice behind her. "Maddox, I knew it was

am I supposed to date? What are

had already pieced together

one of the Perez

glancing at the departing Vivienne. "Maddox, was that the girl Dad

finished his coffee as if it were water and said curtly, "That's

help out. Why push me

at home or shopping the beauty salons."

Diana stood up and stopped Maddox. "I'm old enough, and even Dad said I should get some experience, and Luke wants me to go, too. Why won't you agree?" Maddox peered at her through his dark shades, his gaze intense. "If I'm not mistaken, you're thirty-five this year, right? It's high time you found someone and settled down. That way, Dad can rest easy. You grew up in the Perez household;

not what I

his voice cold. "Then why were you snooping around for the

"Whatever your reasons, Diana, I'll let it slide this time. But if there's a next time, I won't be so lenient." Diana stepped aside, allowing Maddox to leave. She watched him exit the café, her eyes filling with resentment. In the Perez

Willa was the darling of the whole family, while she was practically invisible, never even a blip on

the child

Why, oh why!