The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

They stepped out of the study, and the living room on both floors was devoid of Vivienne and her entourage. S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FɪndNøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

As they left, they weren't even graced with a goodbye from the butler.

Not a single servant was there to see them off, and the pair left the house with stone-cold expressions on their faces.

As they reached the yard, they were confronted by a man whose presence was as imposing as Thor himself, an aura of intimidation that made others shrink in fear.

Victoria's eyes widened at the sight of him. Before Harrison could notice her recognition, she quickly feigned confusion and even turned to ask Harrison, "Who is that guy? He's so full of himself. Haven't I seen him on TV or something?"

Arthur was approaching from the distance. His image sharpened in Harrison's eyes, who suddenly murmured in shock, "War God?"

A figure idolized by the younger generation in Veridia.

Harrison, in his youth, had fantasized about the glory of the battlefield, and thus remembered Arthur's name and face with striking clarity. He had even taken pride in having laid eyes on the War God himself. But those days of youthful folly had faded as he matured into adulthood.

Yet, what was the War God doing at the Ellington estate? Did he know Richard?!

"War God?!" Victoria exclaimed in feigned surprise.

Her shrill voice caused Arthur, who was briskly passing by, to halt and focus his gaze on the duo.

His piercing stare softened when it landed on Victoria and then shifted back to Harrison. "Is Percival around?"

There was a momentary hitch in Harrison's breath. "War God, you're here to see Percival?"

Arthur nodded, and a flicker of shock-or was it envy?-crossed Harrison's eyes. After a brief pause, he said, "Mr. Ellington is indeed here, but he might not have the time to meet with you right now."

Hawthorn is preoccupied with preparing

revered War God should step aside in

as he turned on his heel, seeming to put his own concerns aside, now

short walk from the study to the front entrance, Harrison had regained his usual composed demeanor. He nodded politely at Arthur before explaining, "Ms. Hawthorn stubbornly believes I'm guilty, swayed by slander. She's convinced I'm a murderer and is determined to sue

sighed as if deeply troubled, "I came here today, out of respect for Richard, to persuade her to drop the lawsuit, not to be misled

Victoria remained silent.

up his sleeve

smile, not taking

with Vivienne and couldn't afford

Arthur's inquiring look, she raised her voice, feigning anger, "Enough! The trial is the day after tomorrow, and we need to get back to prepare our case! That Vivienne, the traitor! My mother is Percival's aunt, and if Vivienne won't respect Percival's wishes, why

didn't notice the shift in Arthur's expression, nor did she realize that her actions had just added another mark against Vivienne in Arthur's mental ledger: disrespectful, domineering, and stubborn - utterly lacking in

so excessively on such a woman, granting her every

God, you might

was to tarnish Percival's image in Arthur's eyes. As long as that

At an upscale café.

the private room, removed his jacket, and draped it over the chair. "I heard

and replied in a calm voice, "It's

Winnie again?

flickered in

had it that the War God was a paragon of virtue, shunning the company of women, yet here he was, persistently bringing up Winnie and intent on finding her. "Vivienne has never heard

a pause, Percival probed nonchalantly, "May I ask, what is Miss Winnie to the War

Arthur gestured dismissively, "I've already checked there. No leads

had questioned that stubborn old