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?!"

They're accusing me of taking bribes, and the court's started looking for the source of the rumors! I'm out of options! The department head's already calling for an

imposing figure was

help Kipling. He's my only brother. If it weren't for him, I

beg of you," Kipling pleaded, dropping to his knees with a hopeful look in his eyes.

his expression

he directed

loyal butler, understanding the cue, signaled for the maids to escort Madeline back to her room. "Ma'am, it's chilly. You should go back

wanted her out of this. Her gaze, once youthful despite her years, was fixed on Gavin, who seemed oblivious to her stare. Only

"Alright."

Madeline couldn't risk confronting him for Kipling's sake. With a heavy heart and a silent retreat, she left, Kipling's pleas fading behind her. Once Madeline was out of sight, Gavin turned to Kipling. "Your position at the education department is untenable now. The

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

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

master of

then. Go back, pack your things. Your living expenses for the past few years, I'll have someone transfer it to your account. Better head off