The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Victoria's fragile demeanor was something Vivienne couldn't bear to witness. "Harrison was all set to take this to court with Vivienne, but when he heard about our relationship, he feared a family feud in the courtroom would spoil relations. He also worried I wouldn't be able to integrate into the Ellingtons, so he hoped his cousin would drop the lawsuit voluntarily. After all, no matter how this lawsuit goes, we're bound to win."

She said this with a pointed look at Vivienne, "It would be a shame for all your efforts to end up fruitless."

Vivienne thought to herself, 'Playing the coquette certainly requires talent.'

Percival spoke without a hint of emotion, "Really? We're not afraid of a little discord. Court sounds just fine to me."

"Mr. Ellington perhaps shouldn't indulge Ms. Hawthorn quite so much." Harrison sipped his tea, the picture of calm, "She's young, easily deceived. Hoodwinked by Kaitlyn's spiel, her misplaced sense of loyalty is understandable. But should Mr. Ellington really turn against his own kin for a woman with no blood ties?

Besides, the matter at hand, no matter how you slice it, is between Kaitlyn and me. Mr. Ellington and Ms. Hawthorn, sticking your noses in, doesn't seem quite right."

Vivienne's retort was nonchalant, "I have money to spare, and I enjoy it. Do you have a problem with that?"

Her delicate chin tilted ever so slightly, a mix of haughtiness and charm.

Richard watched, a smile growing in his eyes. That's our Vivienne, he thought, always standing up for the underdog, far better than that icy-faced grandson of mine!

He glanced at the silent Percival and huffed, "Harrison, it's not that I don't want to help you. But the lawsuit's already filed; there's no talk of backing down now. Let the young one help if she wants. If the case is a lost cause as you claim, it'll be a lesson learned for her. Don't worry, with me around, there won't be any hard feelings between them and you."

over the assembly without

advocating for them. Anyone with half a brain could tell

family was united in their support for Vivienne. All those Harrison had approached, overtly or covertly, dared not criticize Percival. Was the courtroom really his only option left? Vivienne's barely concealed smirk was irksome, and Harrison's brow

as he was about to retort, Vivienne beat him to the punch, "True, we can afford to lose. If you're innocent, why not prove it in court? No man would relish being labeled a scoundrel, right, Mr. Wolf?" She glanced at Percival, her tone questioning, but the insinuation against Harrison was

couldn't help but turn away, her cheeks

Vivienne, his words clear in the hushed study, "You're wrong, Vivienne. Some shameless men quite enjoy their scoundrel reputation. But Harrison is surely not

last part, causing a visible shift in the room,

distance himself from Gavin more than in

with Vivienne and Percival there, lying

he could finish his excuse, "There's no need for

had anticipated. His heart plummeted, recalling the panic he felt when

How could this happen?!

one who adored Holly the most? How could he remain so indifferent

reign in those little schemes of yours." Vivienne rose with Richard, offering her arm to the old man. Before leaving, she glanced back at Harrison, "Karma always catches up with those who walk a crooked path. You couldn't

she left with

in her eye that was hard

no second Kaitlyn to fall