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

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? By hastening Julian's parents toward

face shifted colors as

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

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

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

there to die." He wrung his hands, his explanation full of

abuse

truth," 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. I just happened by and

it was my sister

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

inky eyes chilling with frost, "Explain.

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

that woman and Gavin, leading

into a judge from the underworld as he stared

intensity. It was as if one more word

and pulled her away, instinctively looking

Victoria's mother being Percival's aunt, Kaitlyn had frozen, the hatred in her eyes dissipating.

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

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