The Million-Dollar Heart

The day after the grand announcement, the Perez family came over to deliver their wedding gifts.

It felt like an unspoken competition; Uncle Luke brought two boxes of exquisite jewelry, Uncle Fredrick doubled down with four, and Uncle Maddox went all out, gifting a full set of gold jewelry that filled six whole boxes.

Opening those boxes was like staring into the sun-blindingly bright and overwhelmingly lavish.

Vivienne felt a weight on her shoulders just looking at them, imagining wearing all that gold was enough to give her a sore neck.

The elder Perez brothers, Luke and Fredrick, couldn't help but smirk at the sight. At least Maddox had set the bar for extravagance, making their gifts seem almost modest in comparison.

But Yuri, the youngest, couldn't resist a jab, "Maddox, really? That's a bit lackluster for Vivienne's wedding, don't you think? People might start thinking the Perez family is running low on treasures." Maddox's face turned as red as a beet, "Yuri, stop poking fun. What did you bring, then? Show us."

Raising an eyebrow, Yuri warned, "You might want to brace yourself for this."

With that, he opened his box to reveal a masterfully crafted jade sculpture, a rarity that could easily rival the tea set he gave at Sasha's wedding.

Maddox was gobsmacked, "Where did you even find that? You said you were just going to pick something randomly from the storage!"

Yuri shrugged, "And you believed that?"

Fuming, Maddox accused, "You're playing dirty!"

others watched, more entertained than concerned, letting

Maddox sought consolation from

you really think my

all the gifts, yours are actually the most practical. I mean, if I ever need money, gold is as good as cash. You did great." Maddox beamed,

appreciates my gift. You're just

facepalmed, "Your logic could use some work. Vivienne was being polite. She means you might as well have given cash to save her the trouble of

in laughter, Maddox merely

from his jacket, Maddox produced a small, exquisitely wrapped gift box, handing it to Vivienne with care, "This is something Willa stitched for you-a blessing for you and your future husband, wishing you a lifelong

was touched by the delicate embroidery, "Please thank Willa

Maddox win this round, the other uncles, not to be

and Jasper joined the gathering, with Arthur and Sasha by

Granddad," she greeted, also acknowledging

seeing his granddaughter, felt a surge of pride, "Our Vivienne is

admired her intelligence and independence, qualities that reminded him

"Even after I'm married, I'll always be your

you'll always be the Perez

"This was with your grandmother and me

the sight, but no one dared to

intervene. This was a moment

it safe," Jasper advised, hinting at the deeper significance of