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?!"

Kipling's voice trembled, panic written all over his face. "Gavin, what do we do now?! 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

was on

"Gavin, you have to help Kipling. He's

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

expression unreadable

subtle gesture, he directed the

to her room. "Ma'am, it's chilly. You should go back inside." Madeline resisted, trying to approach Gavin again, only to be

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

"Alright."

and her daughter's well-being, 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

end up in jail!" Kipling's voice broke, hinting at 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

the tail end of Gavin's falsely reassuring promises. Exchanging glances with Victoria, they both understood the gravity of Gavin's words, aware of the uncertain fate that awaited those who crossed him. Together,

gaze flickered, a master of

signaled for the butler to see him out. "Alright, that's settled then. Go back,