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 Percival

around, her mouth puckering, "But I'm hurt. Mr. Ellington, I think my elbow is broken. Could you, out of decency for the help I've provided, take me to the hospital?" Vivienne's smirk remained, "You helped us?

colors as she began to

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

on the ground, pitiful, he stepped forward out of respect for Harrison and helped her up, "Inigo, what in the world is going

was out of my hands, Captain. The AC in the interrogation room broke, and I forgot to close the door when I

had no choice. It's not like I could leave them there to die." He wrung his hands, his explanation full of coincidences, "Ms. Sophie was brought in by the deputy chief. She saw I was overwhelmed

I didn't abuse them. I know the rules. How could

Ms. Hawthorn is cautious, but that's no reason to slander the innocent. I

"Kaitlyn, I'm sorry. Although I wasn't involved, it was my sister who caused the trouble. I apologize on her behalf; she

a glance at Percival, whose gaze had never rested on her, Sophie bit her lip and continued, "She was only after you

blade, his inky eyes chilling with

of triumph passed 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

that woman

judge from the underworld as he stared at

this intensity. It was as if one more word from her would spell her doom. She trembled involuntarily, shrinking back

and pulled her

mother being Percival's aunt, Kaitlyn had frozen, the hatred in her eyes dissipating. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the FɪndNovᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters

on the help Vivienne and Percival had extended to her

had achieved her desired effect. Regardless of who held the recipe, if they knew it could save Holly Ellington,