The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The roar infused with a primal force hit Kipling like a physical blow, making his scalp tingle and half of his body tremble uncontrollably.

Had he not been clutching the door frame for dear life, he might have ended up on his knees.

His mind buzzed, disoriented, as he nodded and backed out of the room.

No sooner had he stepped out than the door slammed shut with a loud bang, narrowly missing his head!

He didn't know how long he waited, pacing the living room in circles, before Gavin finally emerged, looking sharp and composed. His cold gaze landed on Kipling, dark and displeased.

Without even a proper look at Kipling, Gavin took his seat at the head of the table, exasperated. "What's the crisis now?"

Kipling, hands shaking, rushed forward. "It's a disaster! Someone dug up my bank statements!"

"And? What of it..." Gavin was about to dismiss the concern, suggesting Kipling's modest transactions couldn't possibly cause trouble, when he suddenly paused, eyes widening. "Which account are you talking about?!"

accusing me of taking bribes, and the

was on the

herself in a coat and stepped out, bypassing greetings to rush to Gavin's side. "Gavin, you have to help Kipling. He's my only brother. If it weren't for

Kipling pleaded, dropping to his knees with a hopeful look in his eyes. "Do it for my sister's sake. I'm begging

glanced at Madeline, his expression unreadable for

he directed the

the maids to escort Madeline back to her room. "Ma'am, it's chilly. You should go back inside." Madeline resisted, trying

wanted her out of this. Her gaze, once youthful despite her years, was fixed on Gavin, who seemed oblivious to her stare. Only when annoyed did he finally instruct, "Go back.

"Alright."

her. Once Madeline was out of sight, Gavin

the chaos that would ensue should he spill Gavin's secrets. Gavin remained unfazed. "Don't worry. As my brother-in-law, I won't let you go to prison. I've made arrangements. You'll just be detained briefly, nothing to fear." He continued, "However, Rivenwood is no longer safe for you. You might need a new identity. Lay low in the countryside for a

end of Gavin's falsely reassuring promises. Exchanging glances with Victoria, they both understood the

a master of

a mix of frustration and resignation, couldn't muster the will to argue anymore. With a dismissive wave, he signaled for the butler to see him out. "Alright, that's settled then. Go back, pack your things. Your living expenses for the past few years, I'll have