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.

had declared herself the second daughter of the Abernathy family, yet

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

face shifted colors as she

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

Harrison and helped her up, "Inigo, what in the

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

explanation full of coincidences, "Ms. Sophie was brought in by the deputy chief. She saw I was overwhelmed and came

hung his head, "Captain, I swear I didn't abuse them. I know the

Sophie said, biting her lip and casting a woeful glance at Vivienne, "I know Ms. Hawthorn is cautious, but that's no reason to slander the innocent.

was my sister who caused the trouble. I apologize on her behalf; she

bit her lip and continued, "She was only after you

sharp as a drawn blade, his inky eyes chilling with frost, "Explain. Victoria

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 aunt..." "Silence!" Percival's voice cut through the air, "You do not have the

been deceived by that woman and Gavin, leading to the

him into a judge from the underworld as he stared at

had never encountered such a look. Even when Gavin lost his temper, it was never with this intensity. It was as if one more word from her would spell her doom. She trembled involuntarily,

pulled her away, instinctively looking towards

dissipating. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access

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

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