The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

In the shadow-draped halls of the Abernathy manor, a chill hung in the air, so palpable it was as though the room had plunged into an icy cellar. Gavin Abernathy exuded a frostiness that was more than just the temperature; those familiar with him could see the panic mingling with the cold in his eyes.

His thoughts, however, had already drifted elsewhere.

One fact consumed his mind: Emrys Abernathy had been taken by Vivienne and Percival.

And now, the Ellingtons were aware of the incident with Holly Ellington.

The Ellington family might not boast the ancient lineage of warriors like the Grimshaws, but their dominance in Rivenwood's elite for decades spoke volumes of their influence and power. In other words, while they might not challenge the ancient Grimshaw warriors, they were certainly a match for the Abernathys.

To the public, the ancient lineages were almost mythical, revered as demigods. Yet, the truth was, their differences from the average families were minimal: unique abilities passed down, and wealth- inheritances that could last several lifetimes.

But times were changing rapidly. What was left by their ancestors, not only for the Abernathys but even for the Grimshaws, was dwindling.

This scarcity was precisely why the ancient families had become more visible lately; they were running out of their stockpiled wealth and needed new means to sustain themselves.

Gavin's wealth, much of which came from unsavory sources like his dealings with Kipling, was not enough to guarantee safety anymore. With the Ellingtons possibly seeking retribution, the Abernathys were in a precarious position.

Gavin frowned, his voice heavy, "The Ellingtons taking someone... This complicates things."

"Dad, if he's really with Vivienne, we're out of options!" Harrison Schram's right eyelid twitched more violently at the thought. "None of those involved back then were particularly tough."

Gavin wasn't so quick to lose hope, "Not necessarily. My brother trusts me more than anyone. Even if Vivienne has him, I doubt he'd betray us. My fear is..."

Abernathy, his gaze laden with a complexity

unfinished thought, looked

"As long as

your brother, why don't we claim he was kidnapped by

and Victoria turned their gaze towards him-one filled with outrage, the other

Harrison since he married into the Abernathy family, "Ridiculous! You know the history between us and the Ellingtons. To stoop to dealing with them over a lost

"But..."

right. We don't even know where Vivienne is hiding him. Charging in might

solace in his daughter's words, nodded

comforted by Victoria's reasoning, Harrison

whirlwind of anxiety and speculation,

daughter, the jewel of their family. Her suffering would not go

peace. Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the (F)indNƟvᴇl.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access

strategies With a glance, she understood her father's thoughts, a testament to her readiness to

at Harrison, whose calm demeanor couldn't quite mask his underlying anxiety. She marveled inwardly at their acting

were putting on quite the

hadn't already known her mother's whereabouts, she might

Feigning ignorance, Victoria lounged

chair,

impatience. "I say we just sit, tight and watch how things unfold. Harrison, you go back to your lab work. As for the Ellingtons, we'll keep an eye on them for now. If push comes