The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Madeline's sudden freeze mid-temple rub as she looked up to see her daughter Sophie approaching was almost cinematic. Fresh from the hospital, Sophie's complexion had returned to its rosy glow, her innocent beauty disarming yet unmistakably powerful. Indeed, Sophie had inherited her mother's formidable charm.

In their ancient warrior lineage, countless men had fallen at the mere sight of her, enchanted by her allure. Yet, Madeline found none of them worthy of her daughter, convinced that Sophie was destined for a man of unparalleled excellence. Previously, it was Asher Grimshaw who caught their interest. Now, shifting targets to Percival seemed equally promising.

"Mom, what's on your mind?" Sophie plopped down in the seat Gavin had just vacated, her face a mask of discontent. "If only I could get close to Percival. That witch Vivienne is always by his side, making it impossible forto make a move!" "That's because you're not trying hard enough!" Madeline shot her daughter a look, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Don't worry, with my help, Percival will be eating out of your hand in no time!" Sophie pouted, about to retort, but the promise of her mother's assistance brightened her demeanor instantly. "Really, Mom? You're not pulling my leg, are you? If I pull this off, consider Uncle's situation handled!" Madeline's smile was one of satisfaction. Her joy was short-lived, though, as she affectionately tousled Sophie's hair. "Why would I lie to you, sweetheart? And we don't even need to whisper sweet nothings into anyone's ear. Once you and Percival are an item, without the Ellington family's backing, dealing with that bumpkin Vivienne will be like taking candy from a baby." Meanwhile, in a local café, Vivienne entered the reserved room, casting a glance at Gavin who was waiting for her. She pulled out a chair and sat down, "Isn't Gavin too busy sorting out his mother's estate to be summoning me?" Gavin, already sour-faced, felt the atmosphere drop to freezing at her words. His response cthrough gritted teeth, "Ms. Hawthorn, I'd advise against your arrogance. No matter how skilled you are, you're outnumbered here. These men are the Abernathy family's finest warriors, and you stand no chance." Vivienne's raised eyebrow met Gavin's challenge. Surveying the room, she recognized none but one face. Seaton, mingled among the warriors, signaled her to keep her cool. Vivienne's eyes sparkled with mirth as she looked back at Gavin, "What desperate measure brings you tothis time?" Gavin's patronizing tone only served to deepen her amusement, "Vivienne, don't play dumb. You have three days to deliver Kipling's letter of forgiveness to me." Vivienne's eyes danced with scorn, clearly visible to Gavin. He attempted a magnanimous stance, "Of course, your efforts won't go unrewarded by the Abernathy family. Deliver the letter, and all previous offenses against us will be wiped clean. Plus, you can choose any martial art from our family to learn." Vivienne couldn't help but laugh, "Gavin, are you losing it? Why would I covet your family's forgiveness or its martial arts, especially when they're so easily defeated?" Gavin, face turning a shade of purple, struggled to maintain composure, remembering the Grimshaw family's warning from the night before. "Don't bite the hand that feeds, Ms. Hawthorn. Even as the future heiress to the Ellington legacy, do you think you can cling to Percival's coattails forever? Crossing the Abernathy family now would be unwise." Outside, the rustling leaves caught Vivienne's attention, her smile broadening mockingly. Gavin, misinterpreting her amusement, demanded, "What's so funny?!" Vivienne's demeanor turned icy, "I'm laughing at your stupidity, at your ignorance, at your utter foolishness." Gavin's anger was palpable. Leaning back, Vivienne locked eyes with him, "You and your daughter have been outplayed bytand again, yet you fail to understand one simple fact..." "And what might that be?" Gavin bristled, unaware of what he had overlooked. Vivienne's dossier on him was thorough, yet here he was, completely out of his depth.

Vivienne's lips curled into a smirk, "Me? Cling to someone else for success? Please, I'm Vivienne—I'm the one people cling to, not the other way around." The mere thought of her needing support from anyone else was laughable. Gavin just stood there, speechless. He had never met anyone who could make narcissism sound so utterly refreshing.

Clearing his throat to mask his discomfort, Gavin continued, "Regardless, now that you're married to Percival, you're my niece's cousin-in-law. It's only natural for you to lend a hand to your husband's cousin, right?" Vivienne laughed, a clear, melodious sound that filled the room. "I can't believe they chose you, Gavin Abernathy, to lead the family next. No brains at all. Have you forgotten what you've done to the Ellingtons?" Before Gavin could muster a response, Vivienne languidly leaned back in her chair, her expression unreadable. "Your actions led to Mr. Wolf's aunt disappearing without a trace. And you have the audacity to think the Abernathys have any standing with the Ellingtons?" "Gavin, I like to think I'm quite clever." Vivienne twirled a strand of her hair around her finger. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to sneak into your family's crypt in the dead of night and take your mother's urn." Her calm declaration made Seaton sweat bullets for her. So much for his warnings-Vivienne clearly hadn't taken a single one to heart. Despite her young age, she seemed to have a penchant for dancing on minefields.

Without giving Gavin another glance, Vivienne stood up to leave. As she walked away, she paused briefly, her clear voice carrying back to them, A piece of advice for you, Gavin instead of trying to savel. re Kipling, you might want to watch your own back. The Abernathy family might not be around much longer." Privacy