The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne offered a perfunctory smile, the old grudges still simmering beneath the surface.

"We've got company at the moment. My father will join us shortly. Please, make yourselves at home. Dinner will be served soon," Dracon explained before bustling off. Vivienne took a sip of her water. "Is this their idea of a power play?"

Karen shrugged it off. "If Yorick wanted to put me in my place, he'd use something more sophisticated than this."

It was clear, though, that Dracon intended to make this power move personally.

Vivienne chuckled, choosing to remain silent.

An hour passed, with neither Vivienne nor Karen receiving any attention. Dracon was off somewhere, busy, and Yorick had not emerged from his study.

Only when the servants had finished setting the table and called everyone for dinner did Yorick finally make an appearance.

Dracon hurried over to his side, along with a woman, both offering their support as Yorick descended the stairs.

"Lark, when did you arrive?" Yorick seemed genuinely surprised to see Karen.

With a slight curl of her lips, Karen's eyes flickered towards Dracon. "Been here a while. Mr. Linklater insisted we shouldn't disturb you, so I did not." Vivienne's gaze landed on the woman by Yorick's side, her smile laden with meaning.

Yorick glanced at Dracon, his voice tinged with reprimand. "Dracon, didn't I say to send Lark and Vivienne to my study when they arrived?"

Dracon looked down sheepishly. "Sorry, Dad, I was too busy. It slipped my mind."

Vivienne smirked, "Wasn't Mr. Linklater just overseeing the kitchen the whole time? Playing supervisor?"

Dracon managed an awkward laugh. Vivienne was clearly hinting that he had done it on purpose.

not know how to behave as a

from further comment with everyone present. "Lark, Vivienne, sit by me. I'd like to introduce you

to the woman on his right, his

their seats, Vivienne spoke up first, "Yorick, no need for introductions. I know Ms.

was none

that encountering Mara would inevitably lead to meeting Gillian one day. Still, she had not expected it here, at the dinner table of the former head of Vanguard Agency. A reformed convict, Gillian's presence in

half-smile. But distorted through the glass and alcohol, her smile seemed almost

a toast as a gesture of my remorse," Gillian said with a polished grace that was hard to fault. They were in Yorick's home, and

wasn't

public announcement of her past actions, but she

a lot back then, and Mara's words provoked me. I lost control...

quickly interjected, "In that situation, it was hard to stay rational, and you've paid the price. We can't label someone a villain for life over a single mistake. Ms. Ashford, don't take it to heart." He then shot Vivienne a mocking glance as if

gave Dracon a warning look. This man was really challenging her patience again, even daring to bully Vivienne

be heeded, or the consequences might be severe next time. Wouldn't you agree, Mr. Linklater?" Karen said, her gaze indicating she

nervously, offering

now works as a secretary in the Vanguard Agency's

A secretary in

capabilities were proving to be much greater than she had

didn't press charges against me. After compensating her mother, I was released from the detention center. I was actually studying to join the Vanguard Agency. The smile on Vivienne's face grew. She knew exactly how much 'ink'

of joining the Vanguard Agency? Gillian likely did

Vivienne's curiosity was piqued all