The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Gavin's jaw worked, but no words came out. If there was anyone in the room who least wanted to see Whitford, it was definitely him. The man who had somehow become the common thread linking the Littletons, the Schrams, and the Abernathys together.

Was Vivienne's real motive in bringing him here just to clear the Littleton name?

"Gavin, will you say something?" Madeline pushed him, clearly impatient for an answer. Unlike his usual gentle demeanor, Gavin shoved her away, "I really can't deal with you right now!"

His cold tone left Madeline stomping her foot in frustration.

The initial shock wearing off, Victoria watched the drama unfold with a gleam in her eye. "Ms. Abernathy, your old flame, and you've forgotten him?"

Her lips curled into a mischievous smile. "If I'm not mistaken, wasn't Whitford the one you were with before my dad? Looks like you've forgotten your long-term meal ticket."

"You mean to tell me that's Whitford?!"

Madeline was so startled she almost choked, her delicate hand pointing shakily at the man who hadn't glanced their way since taking the stand.

"How is this possible?! Wasn't he locked up by Vanguard Agency? Why is he out?!"

Her shock was understandable. Years had passed since she last saw Whitford, the once bulky man now barely recognizable after his time in jail, especially to someone who had lived as comfortably as Mrs. Abernathy.

clutched her chest, her complexion turning ghostly pale. Her eyes darted around the room until they landed on Sophie, who was staring dreamily at Percival. A sense of dread

It couldn't be possible!

was just here to testify. Once the trial was over, he'd go back to prison. No matter how

whole time. Victoria's brows

unspeakable secret between

turned her attention back to the courtroom as Whitford took the witness stand. Vivienne's witnesses were all in

the judge's command,

heard Vince's accusations, and they're baseless. We worked closely with Frank, even negotiating with him privately. There was never any

Vince, clearly disgusted. "Frank was the best

squirmed under the scrutiny,

"Remember, if I go

threat hit home, and Vince, torn and

Vince fumbled through his statement, accusing Frank of recklessness, a claim that

lifted you from nothing. To betray him now... Do you have any

erupted

the judge