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!

on her face, void of the bitterness of a

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

a long pause, it was she who broke the silence with an impatient click

"If you dare deceive me, you'll end up in a world of

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

...

Emerald City.

sun shone brightly as Vivienne stepped out of the car, umbrella

at the endless stretch

breeze rustled the trees, revealing the village nestled among

village entrance. Seeing

live at the far end of

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

amusement. "That

him a glance. "Go bring the car around, and

not be an issue. In the few days I've been here, I've learned that the Abernathys,

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 anything amiss." Leopold, Vivienne, and Percival exchanged speechless glances. This was an

in from behind the mayor's house-the one with the flagpole. It's more discreet and less likely to tip off the

building that stood taller than the rest, with a flag waving proudly above it-visible even on the

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

taller than the crops; everywhere else was a sea of gold, but their land was a lush green. Frankly, Vivienne doubted there was