The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Kenneth, still in the throes of his rebellious phase and not yet graduated from college, held a defiant air even when chided by Richard. With a wrinkled nose and a slap of his phone onto the table, he exclaimed "It's not like I said anything wrong! Even our school's septuagenarian professor knows about yesterday's drama. She looks quite youthful; how could she be out of the loop?!"

"Now, the whole of Veridia knows about Kipling getting probation. She's playing dumb on purpose, clearly has an ulterior motive!"

Kenneth was no stranger to the gossip about the Abernathy and Ellington families, not to mention Gavin's infamous affair, which he had overheard from Aaron Miller and Anna's conversation.

Disdain crossed his face at the mention of Kipling, "Given Kipling's dubious reputation, how could the Abernathy heiress be unaware? Knowing full well he's the brother of the woman who hurt Aunt Holly, and yet she comes asking? What's her angle, trying to plead on his behalf?"

Victoria was taken aback. She had been pondering how to broach the subject without upsetting Richard, and now Kenneth had blurted it out.

Victoria, seldom on the receiving end of such sarcasm, wasn't too put off.

Sitting up straight, she feigned annoyance, "Listen here, kiddo, watch your mouth! So, you think I'm advocating for Kipling, huh? Well, it seems I must prove your accusation right today!"

As she spoke, she grabbed Richard's hand, playing the victim, "Grandpa, I do believe Kipling deserves some leniency. Perhaps, Cousin Keith and Kaitlyn could be persuaded to draft a letter of forgiveness to let him off."

Her words suggested one thing, but her eyes, gleaming with mischief, were clearly taunting Kenneth.

Before Richard could even respond, she continued, "Dad said if they agree to let Kipling off, he'll ensure a generous reward for the Littleton family and have the Abernathys formally apologize to Kaitlyn!" Brady interjected, "Well, at least you said something. But this sounds more like you're throwing a tantrum. I'm not sure Richard will go for it."

He pondered, recalling the recording pen Gavin had sneakily given him, wondering if Gavin Abernathy could discern through the audio that his daughter wasn't seriously pursuing their plot.

Kenneth's eyes bulged in disbelief, "Victoria, have you no shame? Even in a fit of pique, how can you utter such words?!"

Victoria looked puzzled, "I'm merely fulfilling your earlier slander. Whether or not Grandpa agrees is his business, not yours."

I'm part of the Ellington family too! You, as Aunt Holly's daughter, siding with

their bickering any longer,

his gaze towards Victoria, "You've heard it yourself. As Holly's father, I cannot justify actions that would only hurt

really going to let the younger generation dictate such matters?" Victoria, mouth agape, looked

really say

Gavin sat in the main hall with Victoria leisurely seated at the head, enjoying a plate of fruit as if the

.ne

lifting his gaze, "Yes, Richard said the Ellington family is now under Rèrcival's stewardship. any matters, we should approach him directly. He's

relay the final message, knowing well the repercussions

before he could decide,

casually setting down her fruit plate, "Richard

the

me, of course. He even vowed to dedicate a golden statue in the temple if his wish came true, among other

tone, light and provocative, only fueled

patience

thunderous roar outside made everyone quiver, and when word got out that Victoria had returned from the Ellingtons, Madeline, who came rushing for news,

dangled in mid-air, hesitating whether to proceed

her concern for Kipling

her fingertip, she took a deep breath, and her high heel clicked against the ground as

living room in just

moment, Victoria was scrutinizing what seemed like the umpteenth shattered teacup of the week, thinking to herself that, at Gavin's rate of breaking things,

the mess on the floor, Victoria couldn't help