The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Cassidy's voice was steady, almost as if she were recounting someone else's story rather than her own harrowing experiences. "I spent most of my tat Havenwood. Then, out of the blue, she decided to bringback home. And for stwisted reason, she even slashed my wrist." She slowly extended her arm.

The scars on her fair arms, visible beneath the sleeveless dress she wore, had mostly faded into faint lines.

Yet, even these healed scars were a shocking sight.

One could only imagine the kind of life Cassidy had endured over the years.

Despite her calm demeanor, anyone with a basic understanding of psychology could spot the uncontrollable trembling of her body. It was as though the mere mention of her past brought a hidden agony to the surface, vividly displayed in those subtle tremors. No one doubted the truth behind Cassidy's words.

The scars on her body were proof enough of her suffering.

Sin the audience couldn't help but cast sympathetic glances her way.

Cassidy noticed but chose to ignore them. She laid her right arm flat, drawing attention to the scar that measured a good two inches a testament to the severity of her injury.

The camera zoomed in, giving the online audience a clear view of Cassidy's scar.

Anyone with medical knowledge could tell at a glance how critical her condition must have been.

Zinnia, this was a blatant disregard for Cassidy's life! "That scar," Cassidy continued, "is why I ended up in the ER for two hours. If it weren't for sheer luck, I might not be here today, speaking to you all." Her gaze then shifted back to Zinnia. "Judge, doesn't this count as attempted murder?" "You're lying! I never did such things, judge, I swear it wasn't me! She did this to herself; it has nothing to do with me!" Zinnia was in denial.

The stakes were high, and she wasn't ready to face the consequences. Going to jail was not an option, especially with a son to think about. She couldn't afford any slip-ups.

Cassidy, as if anticipating Zinnia's denial, pulled out her phone. "Denying it won't help you, Zinnia. I have videos, recordings. Did you really think you could treatlike a child forever, to be manipulated and hurt at your whim?" Zinnia was taken aback.

For the first time, she really looked at her daughter. Despite Cassidy's worn appearance, her striking features were undeniable. Cassidy had always been exceptional, surpassing others in both academics and other areas. But to Zinnia, that meant little; a daughter was meant to marry off eventually.

In the end, only Austin would remain by her side.

Now, Zinnia only regretted not being harsher, wishing she had ended Cassidy's life to avoid the current predicament.

Vivienne, having watched the unfold, nudged Percival Ellington with her elbow.

Percival, understanding the cue, subtly signaled Thomas outside the courtroom. Thomas, who had been waiting in a car, finally stepped out, dragging Raquel with him.

At that moment, Vivienne turned her attention to a hysterical, red-eyed Zinnia. "I'm also pressing charges against Zinnia for incitement to grievous bodily harm, financialdestruction amounting to 1.5million, child abuse, and assault leading to disability!" The courtroom gasped at her revelation.

Even the judge, accustomed to the darker aspects of humanity, was taken aback by the extent of the allegations.

He opened his mouth to speak but, remembering the decorum of the court, chose to remain silent, gesturing for Vivienne to continue.

Ramona and the others, standing aside, had been silent for a while. Mr. Wood seemed confused by the unfolding events.

Ramona, however, sensed something ominous. It seemed Vivienne had planned this moment meticulously, using it to expose the truth about the past.

But why go to such lengths? There were surely better ways to clear the Littleton family's name. Why wait until today? Ramona couldn't understand, and Kipling, now restrained by the police, was even more baffled. He felt trapped in an elaborate game, a mere pawn being maneuvered by forees beyond his control. S And with the tide turned against him, escape seemed impossible without external help.

Meanwhile, countless viewers followed the livestream, including the Abernathy family.

Gavin Abernathy watched as Vivienne methodically laid out her evidence, not unlike a cat toying with a mouse, choosing to torture rather than deliver a swift end.

Sitting in his living room, his face was a mask of frustration.

Madeline and Sophie Abernathy, seated beside him, were fixated on the screen. Sophie's eyes occasionally drifted to Percival, while Madeline was visibly distressed by her brother's plight.

Clutching Gavin's sleeve, Madeline pleaded, "Gavin, isn't there anything we can do? Kipling has been so loyal to us over the years. If he goes to prison, I fear for him..." "He wouldn't dare!" Gavin snapped, startling Sophie. "Don't worry. Your brother knows better. We still have leverage with his wife and child. He won't betray us." Madeline felt a chill at his words, realizing the depth of their predicament.

Fingers trembling slightly, all attempts at persuasion choked in her throat. "But, but, just letting Vivienne and her posse win like this, Gavin, can you really live with that?" Sophie was engrossed in a live stream when her mother poked her absentmindedly.

The girl finally snapped back to reality, remembering the reason Madeline asked her to join, "Yeah, dad. Vivienne is way too arrogant, she clearly doesn't take us seriously!" She obediently rested her head on Gavin's shoulder, "You see, she knows Kipling is one of ours, and she's aware of our agenda. Yet, she insists on opposing us at every turn, isn't this like dragging the Abernathy family's nthrough the mud?" Gavin shrugged his shoulders, pushing the girl away: "Since when did the Abernathy family ever have any dignity?" "If it weren't for Kipling, that failure, not being efficient! How could we have ended up in this situation? They should have eliminated everyone who knew the truth from the get-go!" He uttered these words lightly, not feeling there was anything amiss, "All of this, is his own doing!" "But. Those things he did back then..." were also under your orders.

And Julian's case was far-reaching.

If everyone involved had been eliminated, how could the matter have dragged on till now? It would have likely been discovered long ago.