The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

"How could you?" Madeline forced a smile, stepping over the broken pieces to stand before Gavin. "Gavin, you see, Victoria was just joking around. The Abernathys only show me any respect because of you. Just now, they only told me where you were because they saw me looking for you."

The slender woman gently pushed Gavin's shoulder, her voice playful. "I came to see you, only to find out that Victoria and the others had already returned."

Gavin's expression softened a bit upon hearing this. He patted Madeline's hand and gestured for her to sit. "You two, head back first. If there's anything else, I'll let you know."

"Yes, head of the family."

Victoria glanced at Brady as he left the room, then stood up and stretched lazily. "You better not call me for anything either. I've decided not to bother with the Ellingtons anymore. After pleading on Kipling's behalf today, they all looked at me like I was some kind of criminal."

"It's like I'm the biggest villain there is."

After saying this, she sneered at Madeline, who was snuggled up next to Gavin. "Unlike some people, who are well past their prime yet still act like little girls, thinking a little coquetry will get them what they want. It's disgusting, I'm out of here!"

"Gavin, you see her..."

Madeline's ability to turn on the waterworks was truly unparalleled. No sooner had Victoria spoken than her eyes began to well up with tears.

However, this time, Victoria didn't give her the chance to play the victim. She clicked her tongue, "Look at you, crying again. I'm telling you, Ms. Abernathy, aren't you tired? You're a grown woman acting like a teenager at the drop of a hat. You don't even realize how your face looks, with bags under your eyes almost reaching your chin. Just move your mouth, and it's all wrinkles."

"You know, when you cry, your features all scrunch up like a chrysanthemum?"

"Victoria!"

Gavin's heart ached seeing his beloved cry so heartbreakingly.

But his reprimand was quickly silenced by Victoria. "Dad, be reasonable! I've just returned from dealing with the Ellingtons on our behalf, and now you're going to turn your back on me?"

And after all that, not a single thank you, just here trying to stir up trouble between me and my dad. So, all that act of being the good wife and mother was just for show, huh? Now your true

end, even Victoria's eyes

kept his head down, trying not to let Gavin

miss has really learned how to hit where it hurts after dealing with those

poor Madeline, she didn't even

her mouth, Victoria continued, "But then again, who am I to complain? I'm not your biological daughter. You putting on a facade has already been more than generous. At least you didn't go full soap opera villain on me, the mistress's child, plotting against the legitimate

a fatal

wish for

just never had the

elders not accepting the mistress's child into the family register. Consequently, Madeline wasn't in the register either. Without that, she had no

legitimate heir to the Abernathy family was Victoria alone. The butler wouldn't dare to cut corners on the future head's expenses-not if he wanted to keep his

words, Victoria was clearly twisting

her spite, left without looking back. "If you're so capable, go find Percival yourself. I'm certainly not going to help a thankless wretch

I really didn't mean it

then buried herself in Gavin's embrace, her shoulders shaking as if she had suffered the greatest injustice, crying

his expression wasn't entirely

pity, it was

Madeline looked

in Gavin's eyes

I

not like that. You know what Victoria is

What would people think

nodded towards

against Ker. It just hurts that she could misunderstand me like this. All these years, I've treated her just like Sophie.