The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 132

In the case against Dorian, Arabella’s accusations weren’t the most lethal blow. It was

Beatrice coming forward as a false witness that truly turned the tide.

She spun an elaborate tale, down to the specific day and setting of the supposed event. To any reasonable person, it was absurd to believe a mother would falsely accuse her son of such heinous crimes without reason. Unless, of course, it was true.

This logic had swayed public opinion heavily against Dorian. His employer, the prosperous Vanwright Corporation, and even the future in-laws, the Ellington Group, suffered a hit in their stock prices due to the scandal.

Online, there were numerous people stirring up trouble for Vivienne. Whether these were paid trolls or not, it was hard to tell.

“You all know what kind of person Beatrice is, right?” Vivienne’s voice was flat.

Beatrice was willing to sever ties with her own son just to get her hands on a perfume formula. She was hardly a saint. But Vivienne didn’t believe Beatrice, a woman known for her self-interest, would go so far as to help Arabella frame her own son for no reason.

She also didn’t believe that Arabella was reckless enough to destroy her own reputation out of spite, without any ulterior motives. They were likely driven by some kind of gain.

But who could be backing them?

“What do we do now? I went to the police station, but they wouldn’t let me see your father.” Cordelia choked out.

During an investigation, suspects weren’t allowed to see their families.

“I’ll handle this.” Vivienne said. “You are not to meet with Arabella or anyone from the Hawthorn family”

This matter was highly publicized, so she couldn’t use her connections to force the police to release Dorian. She needed to hire a lawyer and follow the legal procedures.

a moment before saying, “I got a call from Michael today. He wants to meet and discuss the

you agree?” Vivienne’s voice dropped a

“Yes,”

Vivienne frowned.

could convince Beatrice to recant her statement, things would be much

“Cordelia, you

to worry about anything. Just stay at home and take care of

Chapter 132

calm and collected voice was a great comfort to

everything would be alright. It was not their intention to take advantage of their ties with the Ellington family, but sometimes, when things were dire, you had no choice but

Vivienne. I’ll

received a call from Draven before

out to him.

observing her. With a slight nod, she

with regret. “We saw only Arabella in the room

Vivienne said. “This was

to Cordelia and Thaddeus. She didn’t want anyone taking advantage of any

worry.” Draven

backing

“Yes.”

up, Vivienne messaged Matthew to hire the best lawyer for Dorian. Only a lawyer could meet with Dorian now and find out the details of

“Vivienne.”

window in deep thought. A warm body pressed against her from behind. Percival wrapped his arms around her, gently kissing the top of her head.

clear your

his men and all the connections he could use

isn’t that.” Vivienne said, leaning back against Percival. His support was comforting in this

of anger or resentment. From the start, what disconcerted her wasn’t Arabella’s accusations or Beatrice’s false testimony. As long as

his name.

her

open book, it was expected that he would explode in a fit