The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Sophie clutched her chest, blinking away tears that soon streaked down her cheeks. She seemed rattled by Kaitlyn's outburst, stumbling several steps backward. Her footing faltered, sending her tumbling towards Percival.

It looked as though she would collide with the man's solid frame.

Percival's eyes narrowed imperceptibly, shifting aside just enough to avoid her. His deep, shadowy gaze held a ferocity and disdain that, apart from Vivienne, no one could decipher.

"Ah!"

Raised in the lap of luxury by Gavin Abernathy, Sophie's anticipated embrace vanished, replaced by a sharp pain.

Tears as big as peas fell from the corners of her eyes as she looked up at Percival, "Mr. Ellington, could you lend me a hand?"

She was a true pupil of Madeline's guile. Despite Sophie's allure, her doe eyes were as clear and innocent as a frightened rabbit's.

Even Kaitlyn, a woman herself, couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity at the sight.

Yet Percival didn't so much as flutter an eyelid, "Are you incapacitated?"

Vivienne's lips curled into a smirk.

Indeed! Her Mr. Wolf was unimpeachable in matters of chivalry.

Sophie's expression froze. She'd heard tales of Percival's foul temper stemming from a past injury, but she hadn't expected such indifference.

daughter of the Abernathy family, yet Percival remained

is broken. Could you, out of decency for the help I've provided, take me to the hospital?"

colors as she began to explain,

finish, Vivienne cut her off, "I'm curious how you managed to get into the precinct and so smoothly escort

Sophie on the ground, pitiful, he stepped forward out of respect for Harrison and helped her up, "Inigo, what in the world is going on? I don't recall our squad

interrogation room broke, and I forgot to close the door when I left. When

like I could leave them there to die." He wrung his hands, his explanation full of coincidences, "Ms.

his head, "Captain, I swear I didn't abuse them. I know the rules. How could I do such a

and casting a woeful glance at Vivienne, "I know Ms. Hawthorn is cautious, but that's no reason to slander the innocent. I just happened by and

involved, it was my sister who caused the trouble. I apologize

had never rested on her, Sophie bit her lip and continued, "She was only after you for the secret recipe, to

his inky eyes chilling with frost, "Explain. Victoria was after Kaitlyn to save

through Sophie's lowered eyes as she taunted Vivienne, "Her mother. I... I've heard that lady has a history with Mr. Ellington. She's supposed to be Mr. Ellington's

by that woman

into a judge from the underworld as he

Even when Gavin lost his temper, it was never with this intensity. It was as if one more word from her would spell her

pulled her away, instinctively

Kaitlyn had frozen, the hatred in her eyes dissipating. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ

the help Vivienne and Percival had extended to her family, Kaitlyn's eyes revealed

effect. Regardless of who held the recipe, if they knew it