The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Harrison caught the punch without flinching, his grasp firm and unyielding.

Victoria's eyes widened in shock as he soothed her with a seemingly tender voice, "Alright, I won't bring her up. Let's talk about your biological mother instead. You don't seriously believe that Gavin would just hand her over after you've pulled off this stunt, do you?"

His voice was steady as the pressure around Victoria's waist loosened a fraction. "Believe it or not, in the Abernathy family, I'm the only one who can help you and the only one you can trust. Finding your mother on your own is a dead end, Victoria. You need to learn to ask for help."

Victoria's knitted brows relaxed slightly. With a quick movement, she broke free from Harrison's hold and put some distance between them. "What makes you think I can trust you?"

"I won't lie to you; I despise Gavin just as much as you do." Harrison brushed off imaginary dust from his suit and settled back into his seat. "What you said earlier isn't exactly what I had in mind, but it's close enough-say, sixty percent accurate."

Seeing the surprise in Victoria's eyes, Harrison gave a sincere smile and continued, "I know you hate Gavin too. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Surely I don't need to teach you that, Victoria?" He seemed genuinely intent on helping Victoria find out where her mother was.

Doubt flickered in Victoria's heart. She scrutinized Harrison, searching his face for any sign of deceit. But the man's eyes were clear, devoid of any guile or even a hint of remorse.

Perhaps she really could use him to her advantage?

With that thought, Victoria's eyes flickered, and she slowly moved closer to Harrison, working her wrists, "Aren't you afraid I'll spill our conversation to my dad?"

"Gavin won't believe you anyway."

Harrison was confident about his standing with his father-in-law. "He won't believe you, Victoria."

Victoria cursed inwardly-what a showoff!

speechlessness and disdain on her face,

Harrison. He leisurely sipped his iced coffee, the ease of his demeanor making Victoria

was she who broke the silence with

on the table to get Harrison's attention, "If

from her delicate hand to her eyes. She reminded him of the cautious yet utterly naive kitten he used to have. Suppressing the urge to ruffle her hair, he placed his hand over hers.

...

Emerald City.

brightly as Vivienne stepped out of the car, umbrella

side, gazing at the endless stretch of green

trees, revealing the village nestled among the

village entrance.

the far end of

Percival, Matthew led them in. "The nearest house to theirs is a ten-minute walk

lips curled up in amusement. "That certainly makes our job

him a glance. "Go bring the car around, and remember not

scratched his head, looking between Vivienne and Leopold, and couldn't help but add, "Actually, ruffling some feathers might not be an issue. In the few days I've been here,

asking around about them, I ran into an Abernathy. The locals even covered for me. It's been days, and the Abernathys haven't noticed

you can drive in from behind the mayor's house-the one with the flagpole. It's more discreet and less likely to tip off the Abernathys. They're probably still out

with a flag waving proudly above it-visible even on the darkest of

man in a white shirt, black trousers, and canvas shoes standing in the field, hoeing with an air of experience

was a sea of gold, but their land was a lush green. Frankly, Vivienne doubted there was any point in