The Million-Dollar Heart

Arthur watched Vivienne's retreating figure disappear into her room, then turned his attention to the rock-hard molasses cookies on the table. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't bite into them without nearly breaking a tooth. With a grimace, he complained to Sasha, "Honey, it's another flop..."

His mind flashed back to the day Sasha had been unconscious in the hospital, and he'd tried to cheer Vivienne with a nursery rhyme, only to face utter defeat. Big Wolf, their loyal dog, looked up at Sasha with a pitiful expression.

Sasha couldn't stand seeing Arthur this way and rubbed his head, encouragingly saying, "There are more than a hundred ways to win your daughter's heart, and you've barely scratched the surface. You've made a little progress, at least. Just think of something else. I'm sure Frost will open up to you in time!"

Arthur frowned in thought. He needed to come up with a significantly effective plan, ideally with some expert advice to advance at least fifty steps.

Racking his brain, he found no solution and said to Sasha, "I've searched online for ways to bond with daughters, but nothing seems to fit our situation."

Lightbulb going off, Sasha suggested, "Why don't you ask Dorian for advice? Vivienne holds him in high regard, almost like a father figure. Maybe he can give you some insight into opening Vivienne's heart." Arthur slapped his thigh, excited. "That's it! Why didn't I think of that? I'll find a way to get in touch with him right away!"

He hugged Sasha, his eyes sparkling with joy.

The Wright family.

Brianna approached the pristine white door and knocked, her emotions a mix of joy and anger.

A man's refined voice beckoned from inside, "Come in."

Brianna had stormed into Colin Wright's room the last time, upset over Vivienne. Colin had let it slide with a mild warning. Normally, he might have reprimanded her.

She cautiously entered, finding Colin with the same book as last time. He elegantly removed his spectacles and set them on the desk, massaging his temples wearily.

"Brother, have you heard about what happened to Alyssa? Since she was brought back yesterday, I haven't seen her," Brianna cautiously began, her voice betraying a hint of excitement and schadenfreude. Colin looked puzzled. "She was brought back? Another embarrassment for the Wright family, I'm sure she's not off easy."

"Bro, you're just finding out she was brought back last night? You shouldn't coop up in your study all day. Didn't you always tell me how crucial it is to stay informed?" Brianna complained, shaking Colin's arm.

brother would know best. But I'd advise against bothering him; he's in

their brother, venting her frustration. "Even if Alyssa's support is weakened, that witch Vivienne hasn't been punished

stand this

her twice and nearly killed Winston, their grandfather's favorite. How could their grandfather ever forgive

predict

disown Alyssa, Brianna's standing in the Wright family

our brother there, Alyssa won't

intentions briefly surfaced before she masked them with

knew better than to act against these two powerful families alone. The man with a sickly expression stood up to return the book to the shelf. "Just avoid our

"Of course."

mood but colder than their grandfather when not-Brianna left for the

most chilling part of the

angered their grandfather, shaming the entire Wright

he was, not breaking her leg would seem too lenient a punishment for the humiliation brought upon the

the great Wolf dog made Brianna shiver, too frightened to even knock. She whispered,

your fault; it's all because of

"Sister?"

Silence.

reaching for the doorknob, "She

you say

voice came from behind, freezing

turned

How was he here?

the door and then slowly settled on her, his presence as oppressive as a mountain. "Who sent you here?" Brianna