The Million-Dollar Heart

Willa's brow was furrowed in frustration, her fists clenched tightly.

"So many hideouts, damn it!" She muttered under her breath.

The real thorn in her side was discovering that Diana had been secretly conspiring with F-Poison! That damned traitor!

Meanwhile, Quincy discreetly texted Vivienne for help, knowing full well she was no match for Willa. Her only hope was to bring in reinforcements without making a sound.

But before she could relish the thought of rescue, Willa's hand clamped down on her shoulder.

"Hey, kiddo, when the grown-ups are talking, you listen, okay?" Willa said with a smile that was anything but comforting.

Quincy attempted to resist, but it was futile.

With ease, Willa confiscated Quincy's phone, then tied her to a chair, topping her work with a peachy little heart drawn on her forehead.

"As much as I'd love to catch up with Vivienne, I can't right now. Give it two hours after I leave, and she'll come running to save you," Willa said as she tapped on the phone before setting it down and making her exit.

Quincy could only watch helplessly as Willa disappeared. Glancing at the phone, she saw the message was indeed sent, but with a two-hour delay before reaching Vivienne.

Cruel fate, indeed!

At the Perez Mansion.

Diana had just reached the front gate when laughter echoed from within.

Her lips pressed into a thin line, aware that Jasper was probably still fuming over today's fiasco.

But then, to her astonishment, she heard Vivienne's voice. Why was she still here?

cheesecake decorated with the names of Natalia, Yasmine, and

bit embarrassed, looked at Vivienne. "I'm still perfecting my frosting skills, so just bear with it, will

grinned at Vivienne, "Your aunt heard you liked strawberry cheesecake. We wanted to know your birthday, but you said you don't even know your birthday. So,

had her reasons

confirming her mother was alive, she refrained from sharing personal details. Now that

actual birthday, her heart

of gorging on strawberry cheesecake until she could not take another bite, and here it

Zelda's recent cake obsession was just a passing fancy, never guessing it was all

its lopsided strawberries and smeared icing, but to her, it

all she could muster, her

playfully smeared a bit of frosting on Vivienne's nose.

cheered, "Yay, we're celebrating

to laughter

he said softly,

out the candles

a look of profound peace and contentment that the

looks, each face illuminated by the irreplaceable joy

have been the most extravagant gift present,

gate, quietly observing the

picture of harmony

her gaze fell on Vivienne. She imagined tearing that smiling face to shreds, crushing it underfoot, and throwing it into the flames! The same way she had once hurled a

anger, Diana's loathing for

interloper-her mother was dead, so what was she doing back