The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The slap never landed on Victoria's face.

Instead, it was caught in unison by Harrison and Victoria. Their expressions froze momentarily before they pushed Sophie out with force!

Someone with no background in martial arts would easily end up on the floor, which is exactly what happened to Sophie. She crashed, landing squarely on her behind.

The pain in her tailbone was excruciating, making her curl up on the ground, yet she still found the strength to curse, "Victoria, you're going to pay for this! I just wanted to help you, and this is how you repay me? I'm telling Dad!"

Her shrill voice echoed around the diner.

Normally, Victoria would have charged at Sophie, fists ready. But with Harrison there, she lost interest in the squabble. "Harrison, why didn't I see it before? You have a thing for Sophie, don't you? Seeing her humiliated bothers you, right?"

"If you had just told me, I would've packed my bags already. Tell my father we're getting a divorce, let you two lovebirds have your happy ending."

Harrison was on the verge of exploding, "Victoria, can't you act normal for once?! If I lose the trial tomorrow, I'll end up like Kipling!"

"And then, who in the Abernathy family will truly stand by you?"

Victoria scoffed, "If you didn't want Sophie here, you should've said something at home. Oh, but you're scared of being exposed as a hypocrite, worried Madeline would spill the beans to my father?"

"Harrison, have some dignity! If you can't convince Vivienne to back down, don't blame me. I'm done playing the devoted wife!"

With a dramatic wave of her hand and eyes wide with anger or perhaps an act, she declared, "Whatever happens with this lawsuit, it's none of my business!"

"Is anyone even listening to me?!"

struggled to her feet, her voice hoarse from shouting. She

fierce look in his eyes, ignored Sophie completely, "Victoria, stop being unreasonable!

walked away, no

scheme, she would

the north of Rivenwood, nestled among the mountains, stood a

stop in front of the mansion. A man

door opened quickly,

red dress lounged on the sofa, swirling a

begins tomorrow. Gavin

sip of her wine, her fingers trailing

man kept his head down, "With the Abernathy family out of

in the

"Yes," the man replied.

adding, "Leave no

ancient warrior lineage under scrutiny, wiping out

approached him, "Do you think I've been hiding successfully up

understand!" the man

making a big

case to bait a bigger fish - Samantha, and through her, me.' Abigail's smile

man frowned, "But how could she know

"Because

"Arthur's daughter? How? He's

him," Abigail said, looking out the window with a cryptic smile, "I