The Million-Dollar Heart

A week later, at the celebration gala of Betrothed Understud's billion-dollar achievement.

Vivienne, the invisible power behind Rainbow Entertainment, chose to attend the party from the shadows, in keeping with her elusive persona.

However, generous as ever, she gifted a whopping 30 million dollars as a bonus for the film's smashing success.

"Boss, we're talking a billion-dollar hit here! As the lead investor, Rainbow Entertainment is swimming in dough, and you only give out 30 million?" Darren quipped, balancing a parrot on his shoulder, always quick with a joke.

Vivienne had not seen this goofy bird in ages and actually missed it a bit. She reached out to pet it.

But the parrot, now plump and haughty from Darren's care, dodged her hand.

Raising an eyebrow, Vivienne retorted, "That 30 million is coming out of your bonus, Darren. Looks like your feathered friend there is going on a diet!"

The parrot squawked in protest. "Brat! Brat!"

That was the parrot's usual cry upon seeing Vivienne. Whenever it saw Finnian, it would call out, "Old Geezer!"

The parrot had a unique nickname for each disciple, earning it more than a few feather-plucking sessions at the hands of Leopold and the others.

Vivienne tapped the parrot's head. "Pretending you don't see me? You're asking for trouble."

"Boss, it's not my fault it's misbehaving; you can't dock that from my bonus! I've promised my mom I'd cut her off from my expenses. If I lose that bonus, I'll starve!" Darren pleaded. Vivienne, pretending not to hear, ignored him completely.

That would teach him to be cheeky.

"Stirring up trouble with the boss again?" Kala sauntered over in a matching outfit with Stephen, the on-screen couple from the film.

and the fans, especially those shipping the lead pair, would not miss

Kala and Stephen never missed a chance

lose that bonus!" Darren passed the parrot to her. "If you speak up

bird, and try picking a

parrot was "Birdie," his sheepdog

pleadingly at Stephen, who simply cupped his ears, "Sorry,

with the drama and instead

carefully. The fame from this last project was hard-won, and once we wrap up, Stephen and my on-screen romance will

long as

Vivienne was unabashedly money-minded.

long as it brings in the cash, you have my blessing," Vivienne said, blinking away any pretense of not being a slave to the almighty dollar. Suddenly, a gasp

Ellington! He just

glanced over, her expression souring

that donation would eventually land in her pocket, it seemed like taking wool from the sheep's back. She would need

about to greet him when Darren's parrot burst

reserved for Finnian, whom the parrot would recognize by scent,

to see everyone marveling at the parrot while one figure quietly

fist clenched, and she

but obedient,

it, you dumb bird! There is no old geezer here, just young men and ladies. Don't make enemies for me."

the crew members wearing the