The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Gavin was fuming at Vivienne's words. Cursing her audacity, he regretted ever thinking of striking a deal with this woman. The memory of his mother's ashes turning to dust made him stand abruptly, his smile twisted as he said, "Since you're not willing to help, don't blame me for not being nice!"

"Last time, for my mother's sake, Vivienne, let's settle our scores today!"

With a gesture from Gavin, the bodyguards surrounding them were about to surge forward.

Vivienne's gaze was icy, but she showed no sign of panic.

Before anyone could move, the door of the private room was kicked open with a bang. Percival strode in with Leopold and others, "Who are you trying to settle scores with?!"

Behind him, a dozen bodyguards in black suits followed into the room, encircling Gavin and his men.

With an effortless stretch of his arm, Percival showed no regard for Gavin's crew. He pulled Vivienne behind him, his eyes filled with concern, "Are you alright?"

Vivienne pushed him gently, "Mr. Wolf, have you forgotten our training sessions together?"

"You've sparred with Percival?" Leopold peeked out from behind, not worried about Vivienne getting hurt. His Vivienne was invincible. The men Gavin had stood no chance against her. It was only Percival who was overly concerned.

Percival's face briefly stiffened, a crack appearing in his icy demeanor. Glancing at Leopold dispassionately, he said, "Our marital affairs are none of your business."

In some aspects, Vivienne did protect her husband's dignity. Their private training sessions, where she hadn't beaten her husband, were their own secret enjoyment. No need to share that with Leopold.

Blinking to signal him to stay out of it, she turned back

you offended them? A beaten

dissatisfaction. He had struggled for so long to reach his current position. Why should Percival easily inherit the position within the Ellington family? The more he thought about it, the more jealous he became. Gavin's eyes narrowed,

finish, a knife whizzed past Gavin's temple! A strand of his white hair fluttered to the ground as the knife, after flying through the air, thudded into the double-pane

his stunned friend back a few steps:

eyes, looked at Percival, "Mr. Wolf, not bad.

for a moment as it swept over Vivienne. Then,

to Victoria, feel an

as if

crowded

taking a step forward with difficulty. Making sure he wouldn't embarrass himself by falling,

thought to himself

pondered the question Vivienne had raised. Why did Gavin become the head of the family in the first place? How could Gavin's intelligence give rise to such a...

fall, the mystery remained unsolved.

cleverly approached, "Master, we can't get through to Vivienne. But

upon his signal, "We can't touch Vivienne. How about we go after Dorian Hawthorn, and Kaitlyn's in-laws? I

Gavin's pupils constricted. The

big hole behind his mother's tombstone, Gavin's hatred surged uncontrollably. But the thought of

shook his head, "No, Vivienne, that stubborn girl. If things go south, the Grimshaws won't let us off the

suppress his urge. Feghtly