The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Victoria's mood visibly darkened at the mention of Gavin. She made a face as if she had just swallowed something bitter. "Gavin's lost his nerve. Afraid Richard Ellington would cknocking for a favor, he wouldn't dare show his face. Harrison, on the other hand, had the guts but wasn't looking to call in a favor. Instead, he wantedto negotiate with Vivienne, see if we could push the court date back." Arthur nodded, noting Victoria's reluctance to delve deeper. He didn't press further and his gaze softened. "Well, in that case, do as he suggested. It buys us stime. If Vivienne wins the case and Harrison ends up behind bars, we'll have a harder tsorting out our own affairs." Victoria nodded solemnly. "Understood, Arthur." As she turned to leave, a weight seemed to lift from her shoulders. That was close. Thankfully, Arthur didn't probe further. The last thing she wanted was to explain her mother's situation now that she had been found. Vivienne's skill in medicine had caught her off guard.

She had heard rumors about Yorick being rushed to the hospital a while back due to an incident involving Percival, but no decisive evidence led to any charges, and he was released. And it was Specter Healer who had treated Yorick. Only recently had she discovered Vivienne was Specter Healer.

So, Arthur must be aware of Vivienne's involvement in Yorick's treatment. Would he suspect her collaboration with Vivienne, or even seeking Vivienne's help for her mother's treatment? Victoria stepped out of the conference room, feeling jittery. Seaton, waiting by the door, quickly followed her lead without looking back. If only they had, they might have noticed the swirling doubts and concerns in Arthur's dark gaze.

After a while, he picked up his phone and sent a message: "Look into Vivienne." He couldn't put his finger on it, but he had a hunch that Vivienne was the key to unraveling the mystery surrounding Winnie.

Later, a figure slipped into the room. "Arthur, our guys tailing the Second Master reported he's been frequenting a hotel lately. Stays in there for hours. Should we...?" Arthur listened without a change in expression. "Hold off for now. Let's wait for Percival's plan to take shape before we make a move." "Understood." The late summer sun was still blistering, driving most to seek refuge in air-conditioned interiors. Yet, Victoria found herself standing under it after leaving Arthur's office, feeling particularly unlucky. Just a visit to the tea house, and she had run into Harrison.

Harrison, examining the private room she had exited, regarded her with a cool scrutiny. "Victoria, I had no idea you've taken a liking to tea." Victoria eyed him disdainfully, her irritation unchanged from before. "Since when do I need to report my likes and dislikes to you? Who do you think you are?" Harrison's response was nonchalant, a smile playing on his lips. "Of course, you don't need to telleverything. But as husband and wife, I thought I should at least know your preferences. I've got spremium Early Spring Green Tea someone gifted me. How about I share it with you?" Victoria sized him up skeptically. "Unexpected kindness is either plotting or thievery. You just wantto mediate for you, right? I'll consider it, but I have my conditions." The emotionless gaze Harrison fixed on Victoria was icy, yet he smiled slightly. "Do you really think you're in a position to negotiate terms with me?" In the bustling corridor, his ambition was palpable yet unafraid of eavesdroppers. Facing Victoria with arrogance, he said, "Don't forget, hold the cards regarding your mother's whereabouts. You heline? no choice but to help me, or else, I can't guarantee what condition she'll be in the next tyou see her." Victoria's demeanor turned steely. "Are you threatening me?!" Harrison shook his head with a light laugh. "No, just stating facts. Victoria, I'd advise you to steer clear of unnecessary thoughts. Just helpout, and you can keep your comfortable life as the Abernathy heiress." Otherwise, he made it clear without saying, the Abernathy family's safety was not guaranteed.

Victoria's arms crossed over her chest tightened as her eyes grew cold. Behind her, Seaton couldn't see Victoria's face but sensed her unease from the tense atmosphere. His gaze shifted, avoiding Harrison's direct look.

Harrison signaled him with a glance. Seaton's lips parted as if to speak, but realizing it wasn't the tto stir trouble, he silently gestured towards the nearest private room. Just as he moved, Victoria's sharp tone stopped him. "Whose side are you on?!" Her voice, edged with frost, could chill anyone to the bone. Seaton froze momentarily before respectfully apologizing with a bow. Victoria didn't care for his words, her attention on Harrison. "Fine, I'll do it. But your luck better hold." "No, you'll succeed," Harrison's voice was a blend of trust and threat, his eyes devoid of warmth as he attempted a husbandly embrace, only to be deftly avoided by Victoria.

His expression darkened momentarily at the rejection. "Victoria, good luck." Victoria thought, "Good luck my foot!" She wanted nothing more than to throw her handbag at Harrison's smug face. Fuming, she struggled to maintain her composure. Seaton wisely kept silent, quietly starting the car, knowing better than to interrupt Victoria's stormy thoughts.

By the tVictoria arrived at the Ellington residence, the news of her visit had preceded her, but Vivienne and Percival were yet to return. It was Cecilia Boyd who welcomed her with open arms. "I haven't seen much of you since our last family gathering. It's about tyou paid us a visit, con in." Due to Victoria's status and Vivienne's previous instructions, Cecilia's reception was anything but cold. She greeted Victoria warmly. "Vivienne and Percival haven't gotten back yet, but they should be hshortly." Isolde Ellington, who had been buried in her homework, heard the commotion and crunning. Recognizing the guest as the woman who had dined with them previously, she rushed over excitedly. "Hi, Victoria!" "Hello, Isolde," Victoria responded. Her experiences at the Abernathy household had been anything but warm, often finding herself at odds with Gavin, engaging in a battle of wits with Madeline and her daughter. And then there was Harrison, who was a challenge in his own right.

This was the first tshe'd been greeted with such genuine warmth, all because of a shared bloodline. She felt slightly uneasy, managing only a stiff smile as she exchanged greetings with Isolde. Just as she was wondering whether to say more, Vivienne and Percival walked through the door.

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