The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Madeline's expression turned frosty. "What's Gavin's is mine; we're married. Are you saying I don't even have the right to use his personal security detail now?"

Brady, stuck in a hard place, responded, "That's actually the case, ma'am. These are the head of the household's orders. Maybe give him a call? If he agrees to let you take someone, I'll arrange it right away." "Mum," Sophie pouted, stomping her foot lightly. They had finally gotten a lead on Percival's whereabouts, and they couldn't let it slip through their fingers now. If her dad found out, wouldn't all their efforts be wasted?

Madeline, patting her daughter's hand to reassure her, casually glanced over at Seaton. "He's not Gavin's personal bodyguard, right? Why don't you join us and bring along a few others with skills comparable to yours?"

"You sure know how to pick."

Victoria's voice suddenly filled the air. Upon seeing her, Seaton quickly moved to stand behind Victoria. "Sorry, Eliza, I'm the young lady's bodyguard. Without her permission, I can't just go with you."

Pleased with Seaton's loyalty, Victoria crossed her arms and stepped forward. "Hear that, Ms. Abernathy? I thought with your age, you'd understand your place by now."

"In this family, my father's word is law. Then comes me. You think you can just command my security? Seems like you no longer wish to be part of the Abernathy family!"

Harrison, following behind her, raised an eyebrow. Glancing at Victoria, who seemed rather pleased, he subtly observed the situation, his gaze eventually settling on Seaton before returning to a state of calm observance.

At this point, Madeline, visibly shaken by Victoria's words, forced a polite smile in front of Brady. "Victoria, you misunderstood. It was an honest mistake. I thought he was just one of the household guards." Victoria sneered, "Then you must be quite blind."

"Sister, how can you say that about Mom?!" Sophie protested. "We're all family here. Isn't it okay to share your security just this once?"

We're hardly family. The last thing I need is bad luck from hearing such nonsense

a meeting with Vivienne. Let's

caught Sophie's attention. Sophie and Madeline exchanged a glance, and all traces of dissatisfaction vanished from Sophie's eyes; even Madeline dropped her pitiful act. Leaning closer to Victoria with a hint of intimacy, "You're meeting with Vivienne? I've heard she's not easy to deal with. Why not take your sister along? She could be

almost touching Victoria, retracted her hand. "Sis, you're meeting Ms. Hawthorn, not getting into a brawl. What's this about

brawl I'm

choked on his own saliva upon hearing this, coughing uncontrollably. "Miss, you're planning to fight with

you

meeting Vivienne to see if we can come to a more lenient agreement. If talks fall through, what else but a fight?

remained unfazed, his smile never waning. "It's kind of you to go through all

I'm

would rather see Harrison behind

recovering, thought to himself how terrifying their encounter with Vivienne had been. "That might work. But Ms. Hawthorn isn't easy to deal with, and her fiance, Mr. Ellington, is no pushover either. Miss, you

peaked. "Oh? You've seen

"We just met with Ms. Hawthorn for negotiations, but Mr. Ellington

hand without hesitation. "Sis, let's go together. You heard Mr. Abernathy. We'd have each other's backs." Victoria's body stiffened with the urge

"Absolutely!"

worries.