The Million-Dollar Heart

Alyssa had managed to keep her cool since Brianna walked in, but Brianna's final words shattered her composure. Hate flared in her eyes, and she clenched her fists so tightly that her nails broke the skin, yet she felt nothing. "It's all because of Sasha and Vivienne. They've made me a laughingstock, tarnished my image in Arthur's eyes. He was so cold to me in front of everyone."

Brianna patted Alyssa on the shoulder, her tone probing, "So, Alyssa, what's your next move?"

Alyssa sighed heavily, her voice softening, "Granddad warned me to behave, to avoid causing another scandal that would disgrace the Wright family... or else..."

"Look, Alyssa, Granddad just doesn't want another scandal. Just make sure your plans are foolproof, and he won't have a reason to come after you," Brianna advised.

Alyssa pondered for a moment, her gaze dark and indecisive, "Why don't you just spell out why you're here?"

Brianna couldn't hide her true intentions any longer, her face a mix of genuine and feigned sorrow, "Alyssa, I ran into Vivienne, and, believe it or not, I found myself in a similar mess. Those two, mother and daughter, they really know how to pick their targets."

Alyssa's brows knitted together, her posture straightening as she dragged her feet, causing her ankle bracelet to chime, "Vivienne dares to cross you because she's Arthur's daughter."

Brianna, anxious, urged, "Then why not win Arthur back? Once he marries Sasha, you'll have lost him for good!"

aware of Brianna's

same goal, yet Brianna seemed only interested in pushing Alyssa to act, a fact not

agree then, we'll plot once you're

Brianna to be

The Linklater Estate.

home.Percival insisted on being involved in setting up their home, believing it was important for them to do it together, and

said goodbye at the Linklater Estate's doorstep

great-aunt can be quite

avoiding coming home. He was so worried he was about to send people out to look

from Yorick, the other family members didn't matter much. She craved the family connection she had missed in her youth, respecting

family, she wasn't willing to compromise herself for them. She'd maintain a courteous

by his perceived lack of importance to Vivienne, he didn't

gently suggested, "Grandpa, you should rest. Staying up late

the cold winter of his life, "Having a granddaughter really