The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Hailey's keen gaze swept through every member of the Linklater family, pausing only when she spotted Sasha. Her sharp eyes narrowed slightly, and she pointed at Sasha, "And who might you be in the Linklater family? I don't recall ever seeing you before."

Before Sasha could respond, Yorick interjected, "This is Sasha, the daughter of the Perez family from Sea City and Arthur's fiancée, my future daughter-in-law."

Hailey pondered for a moment, familiar with the Perez family of Sea City, and didn't dwell on it. With a frown, she asked, "So, you're from the Perez family. Are you and Arthur married then? How come you're living here before getting married?"Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

Arthur's expression darkened, "She's staying with the Linklater family. Do you have a problem with that, Aunt?"

Everyone in the Linklater family tended to give Hailey some respect, except Arthur.

He had never liked this aunt of his.

If it weren't for his grandfather's sake, he wouldn't have bothered greeting her today.

And with his wedding to Sasha on the horizon, he didn't want any unpleasantness to make things difficult for Sasha.

Hailey frowned, her tone displeased, "Arthur, what's this? As your aunt, can't I ask about your bride-to-be?"

Arthur replied coolly, "You can ask, but don't interfere!"

It was a clear warning to Hailey.

Narrowing her eyes, Hailey then turned to Sasha, a cryptic gleam flashing in her gaze.

Nodding slightly, she didn't pursue further, "I heard you have a daughter? I haven't seen her around. Hasn't she moved in with the Linklater family?" This remark was somewhat intriguing.

Not knowing who Sasha was, but aware that Sasha and Arthur had a daughter!

Arthur and Sasha exchanged a glance, smiling but remaining silent.

Dracon watched the scene with schadenfreude.

For his brother's family, while Sasha might escape Hailey's meddling, Vivienne wouldn't be so lucky.

Everyone knew how much Hailey despised being slighted in matters of homecoming; she'd surely make life difficult for Vivienne in the family. "Vivienne is resting. She was tired from the family reunion dinner last night. There will be plenty of time to meet her," Yorick suddenly said. Though advanced in years, Yorick wasn't oblivious, especially regarding the incident where Dracon drugged him; that didn't mean he was foolish. Dracon was his own son, and with none of his three sons previously having children of their blood, he was inclined to turn a blind eye.

But Hailey was another matter.

She had always had her way in the household, and he had previously held his tongue out of respect for her seniority.

But now that she was targeting Vivienne and Sasha, he wouldn't stand for it.

Dracon, standing by the old man, couldn't help but roll his eyes when unnoticed; the old man was clearly biased, always siding with his brother's family no matter what! Despite Yorick's elaborate explanation, Hailey's dissatisfaction was evident, and she huffed, "Clearly, she just doesn't respect me, her aunt."

As if she hadn't heard Yorick at all.

Dracon smirked, enjoying the turmoil. Indeed, his aunt shouldn't let Vivienne off easily - it was time someone put that little upstart in her place.

Arthur bristled, "Quarreling with a child? At your age, you should be enjoying life, not meddling in matters that don't concern you."

Hailey's expression darkened, "Arthur, are you saying you're not happy to see me return?"

Arthur responded indifferently, "You're my aunt, of course, you're welcome."

"Then why is your daughter sleeping in on the day of my return? I merely mentioned it, and you respond with such hostility. As a younger member of the family, shouldn't she greet her elder? It's a significant event; her not showing up is disrespectful."

Before Arthur could reply, Hailey continued, "She's a Linklater, representing our family's image. Her lack of manners, how will outsiders view the Linklater family?"

"People knowing she's been acknowledged into the family means she should be properly disciplined. The prosperity of the Linklater family should not be tarnished by her lack of manners."

Arthur laughed, "And what of it? She's my daughter, and I've just acknowledged her. I haven't even had the heart to scold her yet, and outsiders dare to judge? Are they slapping me in the face?"

He lifted his eyelids slightly, his tone

neither warm nor cold, "Speaking of

family prosperity, the Linklater family's Current status is all thanks to my efforts. If my daughter sleeping in could ruin that, then let her sleep. I can rebuild that prosperity for her!"

Sasha glanced at Arthur, a smile playing on her lips.

How dashing!

It had been a while since she'd seen him exude such a commanding presence!

Truly the man she adored!

Hailey's face stiffened, her eyes deepening as she slowly said, "I was merely offering a reminder."

"No need for reminders!" Arthur's voice boomed authoritatively, "My daughter can do as she pleases in her own home. If it means the Linklater family falls, I'll rebuild it for her!" Hailey was left speechless with rage.

Dracon's face was a study in malice.

He hadn't expected his brother to be so protective of Vivienne.

Among the three brothers, only Vivienne was a child of their blood. Yorick and his elder brother had always looked down on Dracon.

And with the youngest brother uninterested in family affairs, the future leadership seemed destined for Vivienne.

How could that be acceptable?

Over the years, he'd poured his heart and soul into honoring the old man, all for the sake of the Linklater estate. Hand it over to someone else on a silver platter? In his dreams!

"Ha-ha!" Yorick burst into laughter upon hearing this, turning to Hailey, "Don't mind him, Hailey. Arthur's just got that kind of temper. He's finally found his daughter and, naturally, he's treating her like his most

precious treasure."

With a wink at Arthur, he added, "But your aunt's right, the younger ones should respect their elders. Once Vivienne's up and had her breakfast, she'll come to greet her great-aunt." Hailey's expression darkened even further.

It seemed like he was speaking up for her, but in reality, he was making excuses for Vivienne at every turn.

Letting Vivienne have her breakfast first before coming over?

Clearly, she wasn't being taken seriously.

It seemed that after all these years away from the Linklater estate, things had really changed.

Just then, Vivienne descended the grand staircase, her eyes groggy from sleep, and immediately noticed the bustling scene in the Linklater's grand living room. She raised an eyebrow in confusion. All eyes turned to her, filled with a kind of pitiful sympathy.

Vivienne frowned, not understanding the reason for their stares. Seeing Hailey, she vaguely remembered Arthur coming to wake her up and politely greeted, "Great-aunt."

Hailey's face barely softened.

Despite Arthur's protective stance,

as if ready to flip at anyone who crossed Vivienne, she remained visibly upset, exerting her seniority, "Everyone in the Linklater family knew to come down to greet me.

Why were you the only one sleeping

in?"

Vivienne turned, her gaze deep and contemplative, as if she had just encountered someone picking a fight first thing in the morning.

Yawning lazily, Vivienne responded with a languid tone, "Because I had a dream."

Hailey's face darkened at Vivienne's nonchalant demeanor, her anger flaring.

Vivienne, pretending not to notice, poured herself a cup of coffee and settled into an armchair, legs crossed, before starting to spin her tale.

"I dreamt that my dad was knocking on my door, telling me to get up because he was taking me to meet my great-aunt. I was so engrossed in the dream, meeting you over and over, that I forgot to wake up." After another yawn, she added nonchalantly, "I was seriously engaging with you in my dream, so I'm a bit out of it now."

+

Hailey's expression remained hostile, her tone icy, "Do you take me for a fool?"