The Million-Dollar Heart novel Chapter 630

The evening drizzle cast a somber tune against the windowpanes of a cozy suburban home.

Mara lounged in the living room after dismissing her evening help, swirling a glass of Cabernet as she stared blankly at the ceiling.

The front door swung open, but Mara did not flinch.

A chill draft swept through, prompting Mara to frown. "Ever heard of closing the door?"

"Always such a stickler for details, aren't you?"

At the doorway, a woman shook off her umbrella, her stilettos clicking on the hardwood floor as she strode in.

The rhythmic tap of the heels only heightened Mara's irritation, her frown growing deeper. "You've never had an ounce of manners."

The woman sat down, her flawless features stark against Mara's scar-streaked visage.

Eyeing the woman's perfect complexion, Mara's gaze turned venomous, a visceral urge to shatter her wine glass and scar that pristine face.

To aerate the expensive wine with her blood!

"Gillian, didn’t I tell you to cover that revolting face when you see me?"

This was the woman who had once been incarcerated for willful harm, Gillian Ashford!

Gillian snorted with contempt, crossing her long legs. "Compared to yours, I think my face is the least of our worries."

Mara stood abruptly, fury in her eyes, and for a moment, she wanted nothing more than to throttle the life out of Gillian.

Gillian, however, nonchalantly gestured. "Sit down and listen to what I have to say, or you'll regret it."

Mara clenched her jaw, reluctantly sitting back down.

Then, she scoffed. "We're both no better than lapdogs, Gillian. Do you think you're still the darling of Sea City? I've got news for you – you're nothing now. So quit parading around like you're high and mighty, bitch."

"Watch your mouth," Gillian snapped back, "Do you think you're any better?"

"I'm no saint, and neither are you."

The two women glared at each other, neither willing to back down until a clap of thunder outside drew their attention away from their standoff.

After a moment, Gillian produced two photographs from her bag.

"This is Aaron Miller. He's a senior at Elite University, aiming for a master's in finance, and he's the heir to the Miller family."

Mara gave Gillian a withering look, picking up Aaron's photo. "Isn't this the genius gamer?"

Matching Mara's disdain, Gillian retorted, "Yes, last season's champion. He's also Vivienne's protege. He seems quite taken with her, collecting all sorts of information on her. Your task is to get close to him and drive a wedge between them."

Mara laughed derisively. "Shouldn't you be the one doing this? Luring men is more your speed. Your goal and his align perfectly – you want to marry Percival, right?"

"Mara, this is serious. Don't forget our master's orders," Gillian reminded sharply.

At the mention of their master, Mara shivered, her tone becoming more subdued. "What else?"

Gillian huffed quietly, "For now, that's it. Oh, and Kenneth from the Ellington family is also at Elite University. He seems to be in touch with Anna from Vanguard Agency, and that woman is trouble. Kenneth's close with Aaron; you might be able to kill two birds with one stone."

"Fine. Now leave. I can't stand the sight of you," Mara finished her wine in one gulp, clearly dismissing Gillian.

Gillian was all too eager to leave. Their friendship had been one of convenience; Mara was from the Boyd family, a family with a sterling reputation, and she was Percival's cousin. There was no real love lost between them.

"Watch yourself," Gillian said as she left.