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.

eyes darted around the room until they landed on Sophie, who was staring dreamily at Percival. A

It couldn't be possible!

was just here to testify. Once the trial was over, he'd go back to prison. No matter how powerful Vivienne was, there was no way she

whole time. Victoria's brows furrowed slightly, suspicion gleaming in her eyes: Madeline's reaction seemed more like she

be some unspeakable secret between her

to the courtroom as Whitford took the witness stand. Vivienne's witnesses were

judge's command,

Honor, we've heard Vince's accusations, and they're baseless.

glared at Vince, clearly disgusted. "Frank was the best among us, a true genius. Vince's allegations

under the scrutiny, his

warning jolted him, "Remember, if I go down, you'll never

torn and struggling, finally spoke up, "I

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

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

erupted into

the judge