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.

saying, “I got a call

Vivienne’s

“Yes,”

Vivienne frowned.

was desperate, and Vivienne could understand that. If they could convince Beatrice to recant her statement,

“Cordelia, you

at home and take care of Thaddeus. Leave everything

Chapter 132

some reason, Vivienne’s calm and collected voice was a great comfort to Cordelia. Slowly, she

It was not their intention to take advantage of their ties with the Ellington family,

I’ll

Vivienne received a call from Draven before

out to him.

observing her. With a slight nod, she moved away from

filled with regret. “We saw only Arabella in the room at the time, so we didn’t guard

Vivienne said. “This

Cordelia and Thaddeus. She didn’t want anyone

worry.” Draven reassured

who’s backing

“Yes.”

a lawyer could meet with

“Vivienne.”

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

clear your

could use

isn’t that.” Vivienne said, leaning back

showing no signs of anger or resentment. From the start, what disconcerted her wasn’t Arabella’s accusations or Beatrice’s false testimony. As long as Dorian was innocent,

his name.

her

was expected that he would explode in a fit