The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

"How could you?" Madeline forced a smile, stepping over the broken pieces to stand before Gavin. "Gavin, you see, Victoria was just joking around. The Abernathys only showany respect because of you. Just now, they only toldwhere you were because they sawlooking for you." The slender woman gently pushed Gavin's shoulder, her voice playful. "I cto see you, only to find out that Victoria and the others had already returned." Gavin's expression softened a bit upon hearing this. He patted Madeline's hand and gestured for her to sit. "You two, head back first. If there's anything else, I'll let you know." "Yes, head of the family." Victoria glanced at Brady as he left the room, then stood up and stretched lazily. "You better not callfor anything either. I've decided not to bother with the Ellingtons anymore. After pleading on Kipling's behalf today, they all looked atlike I was skind of criminal." "It's like I'm the biggest villain there is." After saying this, she sneered at Madeline, who was snuggled up next to Gavin. "Unlike speople, who are well past their pryet still act like little girls, thinking a little coquetry will get them what they want. It's disgusting, I'm out of here!" "Gavin, you see her..." Madeline's ability to turn on the waterworks was truly unparalleled. No sooner had Victoria spoken than her eyes began to well up with tears.

However, this time, Victoria didn't give her the chance to play the victim. She clicked her tongue, "Look at you, crying again. I'm telling you, Ms. Abernathy, aren't you tired? You're a grown woman acting like a teenager at the drop of a hat. You don't even realize how your face looks, with bags under your eyes almost reaching your chin. Just move your mouth, and it's all wrinkles." "You know, when you cry, your features all scrunch up like a chrysanthemum?" "Victoria!" Gavin's heart ached seeing his beloved cry so heartbreakingly.

But his reprimand was quickly silenced by Victoria. "Dad, be reasonable! I've just returned from dealing with the Ellingtons on our behalf, and now you're going to turn your back on me?" "Ms. Abernathy, I was doing your brother a favor. And after all that, not a single thank you, just here trying to stir up trouble betweenand my dad. So, all that act of being the good wife and mother was just for show, huh? Now your true colors are showing." By the end, even Victoria's eyes had reddened.

Seaton kept his head down, trying not to let Gavin see his amused yet restrained smirk.

He thought to himself: Our young miss has really learned how to hit where it hurts after dealing with those Ellington folks. And poor Madeline, she didn't even know how to fight back.

Because before she could open her mouth, Victoria continued, "But then again, who am I to complain? I'm not your biological daughter. You putting on a facade has already been more than generous. At least you didn't go full soap opera villain on me, the mistress's child, plotting against the legitimate daughter." Seaton: That's a fatal blow.

Did Madeline wish for it? She just never had the chance! Ever since Holly had been locked up, all the household affairs were managed by the butler, and with the family elders not accepting the mistress's child into the family register.

Consequently, Madeline wasn't in the register either. Without that, she had no authority as a housekeeper.

The legitimate heir to the Abernathy family was Victoria alone. The butler wouldn't dare to cut corners on the future head's expenses-not if he wanted to keep his job! With her words, Victoria was clearly twisting the knife in Madeline's heart.

The woman's face went from one shade to another, and Ms. Victoria, having satisfied her spite, left without looking back. "If you're so capable, go find Percival yourself. I'm certainly not going to help a thankless wretch like you again!" "I... Gavin, you see, I really didn't mean it like that." Madeline, in a panic, blushed as she watched Victoria's figure disappear. She then buried herself in Gavin's embrace, her shoulders shaking as if she had suffered the greatest injustice, crying her heart out.

Gavin's hands gently patted her back, his voice soothing.

Yet, his expression wasn't entirely sympathetic.

Though there was pity, it was mostly scrutinizing.

By the tMadeline looked up, the complex emotion in Gavin's eyes ad vanished, replaced with enderness. "Alright, alright. I know 'ou're not like that. You know what Victoria is like. I'll talk to her later. Stop crying. What would people Kink if they saw you like this?" He nodded towards the servants outside.

Madeline paused, dabbing her tears with a handkerchief. "I know, Victoria is just a child, and I won't hold it against her. It just hurts that sheet could misunderstandlike this. All these years, I've treated her just like Sophie. To think that she seesin such a light." "I understand." Gavin's comfort seemed to wane as he saw no immediate improvement, his tone cooling. You're dwelling on this too much. That girl has already said she won't deal with Kipling's issue. Now, I need to talk to those people and find the right moment to bring Kipling back myself." The middle-aged man pushed Madeline away and headed outside. "If you've got nothing else, go find Sophie. I need to step out. I might not be back for dinner." He left no room for discussion.

By the tMadeline realized she wanted to accompany him, Gavin had already disappeared.

Left alone in the grand living room, Madeline clenched her handkerchief, her expression hardening into resolve. Did Gavin really think she was a child? She had known since yesterday.

Old man Jenkins' hired help was no match for Vivienne and her crew. Poor Kipling barely had tto settle into the local jail before he was shipped off to a state prison. Now, if his family wants to see him, they've got to jump through hoops just to get permission! The thought of going out to find someone probably meant sneaking off to ssecret rendezvous with a mistress! Madeline sighed heavily, her head pounding as she recalled the sobbing mess her sister-in-law had been just moments ago. She couldn't fathom what her brother saw in such a deadbeat.

Whenever there was trouble, instead of figuring things out herself, she'd crunning to Madeline for solutions, completely oblivious to the chaos Madeline's own life was in! If it weren't for the fact that she'd given the Abernathys a grandson, Madeline wouldn't even open her door to that woman! And yet, here she was, burdened with sorting everything out as usual.

But with Gavin and Victoria washing their hands of the matter, what could Madeline do to convince Vivienne to persuade Kaitlyn to sign a letter of forgiveness? "Mom?" Lost in thought, Madeline's musings were interrupted by a crisp, youthful voice that sliced through the silence, pulling her back to reality.