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."

open her mouth to defend Percival when Harrison cast her a chilling glance, "Ms. Hawthorn is preoccupied with preparing for a court case the day after tomorrow, and Mr. Ellington is assisting. He doesn't even have a

clear: even the revered War God should step aside in the face of

seeming to put his own concerns aside, now intrigued by the lawsuit Harrison

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

her to drop the lawsuit, not to be misled by deceit. But she wouldn't listen and even turned Victoria and me away, right,

Victoria remained silent.

have up

awkward smile, not

had plans with Vivienne and couldn't afford

raised her voice, feigning anger, "Enough! The trial is the day after tomorrow, and we need to get back to prepare our case! That

actions had just added another mark against Vivienne in Arthur's mental ledger: disrespectful,

cursed for doting so excessively on

change in Arthur's expression, his eyes glinting with calculation. "Perhaps, War God, you might try your luck inside. Victoria and I will

what relationship he had with Percival?! His goal was to tarnish Percival's image in

At an upscale café.

draped it over the chair. "I heard the War God visited my home. Why

his stoic features betraying no emotion. Cradling his cup, he looked at the coffee and replied in a calm voice, "It's not convenient to discuss matters at home. I asked you

Winnie again?

flickered in Percival's cool

yet here he was, persistently bringing up Winnie and intent on finding her. "Vivienne has never heard the name Winnie at

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

dismissively, "I've already checked

stubborn old