The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Kaitlyn knew all too well that things couldn't be that simple; there must have been someone fanning the flames behind the scenes.

But by then, the Littletons had fallen from grace. Those who once flocked around her family with flattering words were nowhere to be found after her parents' untimely deaths. To seek their help now would be nothing short of a pipe dream.

Yet the persecution from the ancient warrior lineages did not cease.

Tears streamed down Kaitlyn's cheeks as she struggled to catch her breath, coughing twice. "My father-in-law, Julian, ever since someone accused him of taking bribes... It's been one thing after another. Private tutoring, disciplining students too harshly. And now... they're accusing him of... of indecency with a student."

Julian had once been a celebrated teacher at Rivenwood High, but now his reputation was in tatters.

His wife, Sadie, couldn't continue with her job either, taken in for questioning by the school board time and again. Only after the school let them go did the tumult finally begin to subside.

from her building and took her life. Her parents think it's Julian's fault, so... so they called

every word, before finally speaking

is Cassidy. After the incident, I heard her family was so ashamed that they

"Havenwood?"

moment before reassuringly smiling,

away, dialing on her cell phone, "Check for a family

texted Draven, [Dig into the bribery case involving Julian and Sadie. I want details, as much as you

heart swelling with gratitude for the most impulsive decision she had made years ago, which turned out to be the best one. Without Vivienne, she

nothing, simply patting Kaitlyn's hand to

spoke, "Bribery and unauthorized tutoring are one thing; allegations of indecency are another, especially after so much time has passed. Any surveillance from the old office would be long gone. Are there any witnesses who can vouch for your

didn't even bother investigating. They just took her word for it. Julian wasn't jailed, but he was detained for weeks. During that time, Sadie, Tyler, and I tried everything to appeal,

wasn't surprised and switched gears, "What about the bribery case? Who accused

and bright, were tinged with resentment as she clenched her teeth, "Who else but that ungrateful brat? Without Julian's financial support, he wouldn't have been able to afford his education. Yet, he was the one who accused Julian of bribery and unauthorized tutoring! And they believed him without considering

was in a foul

their clothes were worth less than a mere fraction of her blouse. But before leaving the Abernathy estate, Madeline had given her instructions: no matter what, they needed to retrieve the item from Kaitlyn. They had to show their strength

disgust at the thought, sparing another contemptuous glance at the couple behind bars before a venomous plot took root, "Give those two a taste of their

motioned to the officers, they hesitated, "I'm sorry, Ms.

saying you've never done that before?" The officers were in a bind. If not

patience was wearing thin, her manicured finger pointing accusingly, "Then at least turn down their cell's air conditioning and let in some mosquitoes. Surely, that's not beyond your capabilities?" The two old geezers looked like a strong breeze could knock them over, let alone the chill of an air conditioner combined with the relentless assault of pesky mosquitoes. They were in for

arrived at the precinct lobby, the head of the local Education Bureau was still comforting