The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

After Vivienne’s departure, Kaitlyn broke down in tears.

Seeing her distress, Sadie quickly took her by the hand. “Kaitlyn, sweetheart, what’s the matter?”

“Mom, it’s nothing. I’m just so happy,” Kaitlyn said, wiping away her tears. “I can finally see a glimmer of hope.”

Sadie, moved by her words, began to cry as well. “Yes, after all these years, we can finally see some hope.”

Kaitlyn held her mother-in-law’s hand tightly and said in a low voice, “I’m sorry, Mom and Dad, for all the trouble I’ve caused over the years. I’m so grateful that you’ve stood by me through everything.”

“What are you talking about, you silly girl?” Sadie said, patting her hand. “The moment you married Tyler, you became part of this family. Besides, do you think we’re the type to blame you for things beyond your control? None of this is your fault. It’s those people who’ve hurt your family, and now they’re after ours.

Thank goodness for Ms. Hawthorn. She’s no pushover, and with her around, we don’t have to worry about those treasures being stolen from you.”

Kaitlyn nodded. “I never imagined that a favor I did years ago would be remembered for so long. I just hope that once Tyler’s leg heals, we can all work hard to get back on our feet. And when we’re financially stable, we’ll repay Ms. Hawthorn.”

“That’s right,” Sadie agreed. “Ms. Hawthorn’s help is too generous. If it weren’t for her, your father and I might have been left incapacitated. We’ll pay her back. It’s the right thing to do.”

Meanwhile, Julian, after a moment of contemplation, spoke up. “Kaitlyn, I’ve been thinking. Maybe you should entrust the treasure to Ms. Hawthorn. What do you think?”

Kaitlyn paused, contemplating the suggestion.

continued, “Ms. Hawthorn seems very capable. She’s not afraid of the Abernathy family, and she doesn’t seem to

Dad’s right. It’s not that we’re afraid or avoiding trouble, but the treasure is too

Hawthorn, Mom and Dad would have been harmed. Moving forward, the family would be relying solely on you. And even then, they wouldn’t stop pursuing you. Maybe it’s better to entrust the treasure to Ms. Hawthorn. She seems trustworthy and unlikely to use them for

thought for a while before speaking. “To be honest, I did

we ask her when she comes over the day after tomorrow?”

“Sounds good.”

…

Abernathy estate

coursing through her veins,

father, Gavin Abernathy, in the study with Harrison Schram discussing business, heard the commotion and walked out

bellowed, “Damn it!

Gavin’s anger and spotting Harrison, grabbed a vase and hurled it at him. “Useless! Weren’t you the one who said Kaitlyn had no one left who could help her? Then how come today, she had a young woman by her

coming but stood his ground, the vase

lost your mind? Is

tears swirling in her eyes. “Dad, I’m your daughter. Why do you always side with him? Don’t forget how the Littleton family fell. If he could bring ruin to the Littletons, he could do the same to us, the

kind of man Harrison is better than you do. Remember, he is your husband. Stop treating him with

and asked, “Are you

Dad,” Harrison replied, wiping the blood

“My dear, are you upset about Kaitlyn? Is she still refusing to hand

smile harbored

she said bitterly, “It’s not just that she won’t give up the treasure. She has someone powerful behind her, someone so young yet with unfathomable skills.