The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 92

When Coral got home, Gabriel was already gone.

She saw her parents sitting in silence on the sofa. She wanted to say something, but the vibe was off, so she tiptoed towards her room.

But as soon as she took one step, Brandon’s angry voice boomed, “Stop!”

Coral instantly stopped, looking at Brandon with terror, “What’s up, Dad?”

She knew that her actions had caused Uncle to lose his job and trouble for Vivienne, which had plunged the Lockwood family into crisis. Her parents were upset, and she knew they were going to hold her accountable.

Days passed and her parents hadn’t mentioned the incident. She thought they wouldn’t blame her, but now, she was starting to worry.

Her mom was usually pretty laid back and spoiled her, but her dad, oh boy, when he was angry, it was terrifying.

“Kneel down!” Brandon roared.

Coral was shocked. She wanted to argue back, but seeing the fury in Brandon’s eyes, she lowered her head and obediently knelt down.

Jaylan Lockwood, hearing the commotion, came out. He glanced at Coral, but didn’t say a word.

Yeah, this little sister definitely needed some discipline.

“Whack!” Brandon’s hand came down on Coral’s face, “You ignorant child! I have always been upright and never harmed others, but I never expected to raise such a troublemaker like you!” Coral, clutching her face, looked at Brandon in disbelief.

No matter what wrongs she had done in the past, her father had never hit her. This slap was a heavy one, and she could feel her face swelling up.

Feeling wronged, she suddenly stood up, crying and glaring at Brandon, “Dad, you hit me? What did I do wrong, why did you hit me?”

“Whack!”

Before Coral could finish, she got slapped again, this time by Mrs. Lockwood.

her mother

her was one thing, but her

so reckless, and you still don’t

down.” Mrs. Lockwood

had never seen Mrs. Lockwood so stern before, and she was a bit dazed, “Mom! Why? Why is this happening?

just asking Uncle for

real, she had no idea! Who would’ve thought that someone raised in Emerald

wanted to see, but

the brink of collapse, your uncle and aunt have lost their jobs, and your brother

lowered her head, not

problems, you caused them all, and you’re saying you don’t understand?” Mrs. Lockwood was filled

parenting style was not strict. As a girl, she wanted Coral to have a privileged upbringing, to be loved and taught the right values. But she never imagined her daughter would go

in the morning every night to earn his current job. Do you know how hard it was for our family to get to where we are today? Your brother is transparent and fair in his dealings. He never acts out of line. Last time when you framed Vivienne for theft, your brother almost lost his job. Now, because of you again, your brother is under investigation. Can’t you stand to see the success

Jaylan took Vivienne back for investigation. It was a normal procedure, but because Coral was his own

time was different.

meant that the higher-ups

the least

He never broke the rules, so there was nothing to find even if they did

needed to be

our family

really didn’t think things would get

for Arabella, you just thought Arabella was the real lady and Vivienne

12 1

Chapter 92

Lockwood finished Coral’s sentence.

Mrs. Lockwood in surprise, “Mom, how

against Vivienne was

friend, and she couldn’t bear

tricks haven’t I seen? Do you think Arabella’s

schemes can fool me?”

her in surprise, “I don’t get it! Don’t you like

she comes over is because you consider her a friend

time she met her.

manipulative.

being friends with Arabella, but she loved Coral and didn’t want to upset