The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Harrison's voice was as smooth and warm as ever, familiar yet distant.

Kaitlyn froze, and as she descended the steps of the courthouse, led by Vivienne's firm grip, she couldn't help but glance up.

Just then, Harrison approached them.

Their eyes met, both pairs filled with a mix of recognition and estrangement. A moment of shock passed between them—how could

it be her? How could it be him?

The late summer breeze was cool.

The night air, tinged with a hint of moisture, seeped into Kaitlyn's body, sending shivers down to her bones, yet fanning the flames

of her burning hatred even more fiercely.

Her eyes, swollen from crying, were invaded by streaks of crimson rage. Her slender hand, veins protruding, clenched into a fist.

She drew in a deep breath of the cool air and managed to force out one name, "Harrison!"

The hatred in her voice was hoarse, eerily reminiscent of a vengeful spirit's howl from the depths of hell.

Harrison's expression was cool, his presence slightly imposing.

The face that hadn't changed over the years swept over Kaitlyn.

The former belle of Rivenwood, once courted by countless heirs, now looked no different from any ordinary woman you'd pass on

the street.

His brow furrowed, his eyes devoid of guilt, he looked past Kaitlyn as if she were a stranger.

He walked calmly to Sophie and said in a low voice, "Let's head back."

Sophie, feigning ignorance, glanced at Kaitlyn. "Do you know my brother-in-law?"

Kaitlyn scoffed, knowing was an understatement.

If possible, she would tear Harrison limb from limb to quench the hatred in her heart.

Vivienne and Percival had escorted the elders to their car and turned back upon realizing Kaitlyn hadn't followed.

Under the spotlight, Harrison stood out in his crisp blue shirt, his demeanor cool and detached.

Rafferty, still in the police station, overheard the familiar name. He pursed his lips and stepped out to see what was happening.

Sure enough, he spotted Harrison and heard Sophie's insincere query. His gaze swept over them coldly.

"Harrison!"

Vivienne had never met Harrison, but she had seen his file. Seeing that face, identical to the one in the photos, and noting the

unmistakable loathing on Kaitlyn's face, she understood what had transpired. "Ms. Abernathy, you're saying you don't know what

your own brother-in-law has done? Seems like you're not that well-regarded at heither."

Her eyes narrowed as they fixed coldly on Sophie, whose own eyes were well hidden in the night's shadows.

Sophie pouted, appearing wronged. "That was a marriage arranged by my father for my sister. I'm not her, how would | know what

my brother-in-law did before? Unlike Ms. Hawthorn, | heard Mr. Ellington was engaged to your sister before, but now he's suddenly

your fiancé?"

Percival's gaze softened as he looked at his wife. "Vivienne, you were right. Too much gossip does affect one's intelligence. I've

always been your fiancé, but for sreason, sfools keep linkingwith other women. Can | sue them for defamation?"

Vivienne smiled, not even needing to look to know Sophie's expression had soured. "You probably could."

"Harrison, look at them!" Sophie's jealousy bubbled up as she tugged at Harrison's sleeve, not daring to confront Vivienne or

Percival directly.

Her gaze fell on Kaitlyn. "I just helped Kaitlyn, and to think, her friend Ms. Hawthorn would treatlike this."

Harrison's clear eyes finally rested on Kaitlyn. "Mrs. Littleton, | didn't expect that after all these years, you've lost even this basic

decorum. Sophie has helped you, and you allow these two to slander her?"

"Harrison!" Rafferty's voice was cold, trying to intervene.

Harrison didn't spare him a glance, his words sharp as knives. "Mrs. Littleton, | expect you to apologize to Sophie."

Kaitlyn's pupils contracted, and her heart felt as if it had been struck hard. The pain turned her face pale, her lips quivering.

By now, her feelings for Harrison had turned to nothing but resentment.

Yet, the thought of her misplaced trust causing her parents’ downfall still twisted her heart with pain.

"Harrison, you're still as despicable as you were a decade ago!"

Harrison's expression shifted subtly, his voice low and firm, "That's no excuse to avoid an apology."

Kaitlyn's fury rose, but before she could speak, Vivienne stepped onto the courthouse steps with the grace of a hawk taking flight.

In a swift motion, she seemed to soar, spinning in mid-air, her foot connecting with Harrison's self-righteous face.

Harrison, caught off guard, was sent flying!

"ARI

Vivienne landed steadily, her cool gaze filled with contempt as it settled on Harrison. "Pathetic!"

The icy word slipped out as Harrison, lying immobilized on the ground, felt a chill in his gaze. With Rafferty's help, he struggled to

his feet, shaking off his brother's hand.

Staggering slightly, he maintained a semblance of poise as he approached Vivienne. "Ms. Hawthorn, | hold no grudge against you,

why would you do this?"

Percival stepped forward, answering for Vivienne, "Do we need a reason to strike down a man like you?"

Sophie had long harbored a grudge against Harrison, and seeing him getting his comeuppance today was a guilty pleasure.

However, her delight was soured by the sight of Vivienne being shielded by Percival.

Blinking back tears, she blurted out, "Ms. Hawthorn, how could you? Aren't you afraid of starting a feud between the Abernathys

and the Ellingtons?"

Kaitlyn sized up Sophie with a scoff and stepped beside Vivienne, "A lapdog that does nothing but cling to the Grimshaws' coattails

has no business comparing themselves to the Ellingtons."

Her gaze, filled with malice, swept over Harrison, "Your family sure lives up to its name, a pack of ungrateful, opportunistic

mongrels! No wonder your father got you hitched to Victoria. Birds of a feather flock together, and today I've seen enough."

Her eyes landed on Harrison like daggers.

Warily, Harrison took a step back, "What are you planning to do?"

Once upon a time, Kaitlyn was a top-tier prodigy from an ancient warrior lineage. If she decided to take a swing at him now...

Someone like Sophie wouldn't be able to protect him.

And Rafferty, that two-timing weasel, would be even less likely to help!

Kaitlyn, seeing his reaction, actually laughed. She laughed at Harrison's cowardice and at her own past foolishness, "Harrison, just

you wait. One day, I'll claim back everything you've gambled ona thousandfold. We'll settle that account slowly."

If it weren't for more pressing matters, she would've loved to plant her foot on Harrison's face, just as Vivienne had. But she

couldn't afford to!

Julian and Sadie were injured and needed urgent care. They couldn't afford to waste there, "Vivienne, let's go."

Vivienne nodded and, as she turned to leave, her piercing gaze swept once more over Harrison and Sophie.

Both felt a shiver down their spines.

MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L

MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L

mmMwWLHIOfiflO&1

MMMWWLIIOAIfO&L

mmMyWL11I01F1081

mMMwWLIIOfiflO&1