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?!"

to her feet, her voice hoarse from shouting. She was determined

ignored Sophie completely, "Victoria, stop being unreasonable! If I get

turned and walked away, no longer interested in

scheme, she would never have married

the north of Rivenwood, nestled among the mountains,

coming to a stop in front of the mansion. A man

door opened quickly, and the man

a red dress lounged on the sofa, swirling a glass of

tomorrow. Gavin

sip of her wine, her

Abernathy family

the windowsill, "If they're

"Yes," the man replied.

glanced at him, adding, "Leave

man hesitated, "But, with the ancient warrior lineage under scrutiny,

deepened as she approached him, "Do you think I've been hiding successfully

don't understand!" the

a

through her, me.' Abigail's smile widened, "That girl is more cunning than

"But how could she

"Because

How? He's been

to him," Abigail said, looking out the window with a