The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Kenneth, still in the throes of his rebellious phase and not yet graduated from college, held a defiant air even when chided by Richard. With a wrinkled nose and a slap of his phone onto the table, he exclaimed, "It's not like I said anything wrong! Even our school's septuagenarian professor knows about yesterday's . She looks quite youthful; how could she be out of the loop?!" "Now, the whole of Veridia knows about Kipling getting probation. She's playing dumb on purpose, clearly has an ulterior motive!" Kenneth was no stranger to the gossip about the Abernathy and Ellington families, not to mention Gavin's infamous affair, which he had overheard from Aaron Miller and Anna's conversation.

Disdain crossed his face at the mention of Kipling, "Given Kipling's dubious reputation, how could the Abernathy heiress be unaware? Knowing full well he's the brother of the woman who hurt Aunt Holly, and yet she comes asking? What's her angle, trying to plead on his behalf?" Victoria was taken aback. She had been pondering how to broach the subject without upsetting Richard, and now Kenneth had blurted it out.

Victoria, seldom on the receiving end of such sarcasm, wasn't too put off.

Sitting up straight, she feigned annoyance, "Listen here, kiddo, watch your mouth! So, you think I'm advocating for Kipling, huh? Well, it seems I must prove your accusation right today!" As she spoke, she grabbed Richard's hand, playing the victim, “Grandpa, I do believe Kipling deserves sleniency. Perhaps, Cousin Keith and Kaitlyn could be persuaded to draft a letter of forgiveness to let him off." Her words suggested one thing, but her eyes, gleaming with mischief, were clearly taunting Kenneth.

Before Richard could even respond, she continued, “Dad said if they agree to let Kipling off, he'll ensure a generous reward for the Littleton family and have the Abernathys formally apologize to Kaitlyn!" Brady interjected, "Well, at least you said something. But this sounds more like you're throwing a tantrum. I'm not sure Richard will go for it." He pondered, recalling the recording pen Gavin had sneakily given him, wondering if Gavin Abernathy could discern through the authat his daughter wasn't seriously pursuing their plot.

Kenneth's eyes bulged in disbelief, "Victoria, have you no shame? Even in a fit of pique, how can you utter such words?!" Victoria looked puzzled, "I'm merely fulfilling your earlier slander. Whether or not Grandpa agrees is his business, not yours." Kenneth, frustrated, retorted, "How does it not concern me? I'm part of the Ellington family too! You, as Aunt Holly's daughter, siding with the Abernathys, are nothing but ungrateful!" "Enough!" Richard, unable to tolerate their bickering any longer, bellowed.

With a threatening glance at Kenneth, he softened his gaze towards Victoria, “You've heard it yourself. As Holly's father, I cannot justify actions that would only hurt our own and please our enemies.” Standing up, he aimed to dismiss the conversation, "I can't help with this. You two, better ask Keith for assistance." "Richard, as the head of the Ellington family, are you really going to let the younger generation dictate such matters?" Victoria, mouth agape, looked towards Brady, her expression screaming "I tried my best." But Brady, undeterred, seized the moment just as Richard was about to leave.

"Did he really say that?" In the Abernathy household, Gavin sat in the main hall with Victoria leisurely seated at the head, enjoying a plate of fruit as if the tense reports being delivered had nothing to do with her.

ne In the center of the hall stood Brady, recounting Richard's words to Gavin without lifting his gaze, “Yes, Richard said the Ellington family is now under Rercival's stewardship. For any matters, we should approach him directly. He's old and wants no part in these affairs." As Gavin's expression darkened, Brady hesitated to relay the final message, knowing well the repercussions of his words.

Yet, before he could decide, Victoria chimed in, casually setting down her fruit plate, "Richard said his final wish is for the Abernathy family fall from grace, hoping for our downfall, except for me, of ur foet He even vowed to dedicate a golden statue in the temple if his wish ctrue, among other things..." Her tone, light and provocative, only fueled the fire.

"That's enough!" Gavin's patience had reached its limit.

The thunderous roar outside made everyone quiver, and when word got out that Victoria had returned from the Ellingtons, Madeline, who crushing for news, paused mid-step.

One high-heeled shoe dangled in mid-air, hesitating whether to proceed or retreat amidst the fallen autumn leaves. After a moment's hesitation, her concern for Kipling won over.

Pinching her fingertip, she took a deep breath, and her high heel clicked against the ground as she stepped forward.

She made her way into the living room in just a few strides.

At that moment, Victoria was scrutinizing what seemed like the umpteenth shattered teacup of the week, thinking to herself that, at Gavin's rate of breaking things, they might actually go bankrupt before too long.

Turning to see Madeline, who was deep in thought over the mess on the floor, Victoria couldn't help but be amused.

Having spent most of her life by Gavin's side, Victoria was adept at reading the room. Although curious about what had upset Gavin so much, she knew better than to ask at this moment.

But Victoria was in a playful mood and not ready to let Madeline off easily. She quipped, "Isn't this Ms. Abernathy? Rushing over so eagerly, are you here to snoop on your brother's affairs?" Victoria never addressed Madeline formally. When in a bad mood, she'd bluntly call her out; when pleased, she'd refer to her as Ms. Abernathy, inflecting her voice as if she were addressing a lady of the night. Each tshe heard this, Madeline's brow furrowed in displeasure.

Despite numerous complaints to Gavin, Victoria, remained unapologetic, always ready to repeat the offense, leaving Madeline wishing for a day when WI Was perpetually in a mood to spar verbally. At least then, she could play the victim and show this stepdaughter-in-law of hers a thing or two. But at this moment, Madeline was at a loss for words.

"Ms. Abernathy, cat got your tongue?" Victoria noted Madeline's deep, thoughtful gaze but remained unfazed. “I'm surprised at how close you and your brother seem. Brady and I had barely stepped through the door before you showed up. Seems like the staff around here really do listen to you."