The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Sophie had been giving Victoria the stink eye since the moment she walked through the door.

If she had said anything like that, Gavin would have shot her down and given her an earful by now!

Now, Gavin's face was a picture of displeasure, with hardly a hint of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Feeling defiant, Sophie took a few steps forward. "Sis, that's not fair. Even if the court's decided, couldn't we just have Kaitlyn and the others issue an apology letter?"

Rubbing her eyes to muster tears, she turned to Gavin with her eyes reddening, "Dad, think about Uncle's family, Aunt and Grandma. If Uncle goes to jail, how will this big family cope?"

As she spoke, her tears began to fall. "Sis, please help us out. It wouldn't do you any good either if the Abernathy family got into trouble over this."

Her act was so convincing that Victoria felt like giving her a round of applause.

Just as she was about to retort that Sophie's head was clearly not screwed on right, it didn't mean hers wasn't either.

After being checked and treated by the Abernathy family doctor, Harrison was helped inside. "Dad, maybe we shouldn't push Victoria. She hasn't seen the Ellingtons in years, and now to meet under these circumstances, it might not be the best idea."

Madeline, sobbing uncontrollably, protested, "What's wrong with that? The Ellingtons are her maternal grandparents. They've ignored Victoria for years; can't they fulfill this one small request?"

"Madeline, have you no shame?!" Victoria couldn't hold back any longer and jumped out of bed, "Why do you think the Ellingtons have ignored me? If it wasn't for your shameless affair with my dad, breaking up his marriage with my mom, would the Ellingtons have been oblivious to my existence for all these years?"

"And you expect me to save your brother? You're dreaming!"

Her anger was palpable, and despite Harrison's attempts to calm her, her voice was loud enough for everyone outside to hear, "Look in the mirror before you make demands. Why don't you go beg Richard Ellington yourself and see if he doesn't throw you out?!"

"Victoria!"

Gavin, trying to console his distraught wife, was furious.

was a mix of sympathy

eyes red with rage, he scolded Victoria, "Have you no manners?

respond, Gavin pointed to the computer screen showing Vivienne, "Today, you'll hear it from me. You will make amends with the Ellington family, willing or not. If you don't bring back good

by a curious Sophie, quickly left

the time anyone tried to follow, the three were

to the ground. The crash, accompanied by her furious yell, pierced the air, "Who cares about being the Abernathy

"No, you do."

up, grabbing Victoria's arm and blocking her incoming

to see Madeline and her

Gavin's clutches. Don't

responded, "You said you'd help me, didn't

up before continuing, "Together, we can take control of the Abernathy estate. Isn't it easier to act with that kind of power?" Seemingly convinced by Harrison, Victoria's

re-entered the bedroom, where the tablet continued to stream

and the judge began the sentencing, Kipling is sentenced to twelve years in prison, with a two-month probation...Zinnia for attempted murder, eight years, effective immediately...

ambivalent about

leaving, she glanced at Ramona

a predator had its

had already looked

Ramona was certain that eerie feeling had everything to do

Vivienne checked with Jerry as

lawyer's attire, smiled, "Everything's been gathered and sent to your

the Find

not over yet, Mr. Wolf. We're just one move away from tearing this

indeed, we can start moving

spoke up as if she had just remembered something, "I've seen

unexpected remark made everyone halt in their tracks, including Cassidy, who was trailing behind. She lifted her head to look at Kaitlyn,