The Million-Dollar Heart

Harrison caught the punch without flinching, his grasp firm and unyielding.

Victoria's eyes widened in shock as he soothed her with a seemingly tender voice, "Alright, I won't bring her up. Let's talk about your biological mother instead. You don't seriously believe that Gavin would just hand her over after you've pulled off this stunt, do you?"

His voice was steady as the pressure around Victoria's waist loosened a fraction. "Believe it or not, in the Abernathy family, I'm the only one who can help you and the only one you can trust. Finding your mother on your own is a dead end, Victoria. You need to learn to ask for help."

Victoria's knitted brows relaxed slightly. With a quick movement, she broke free from Harrison's hold and put some distance between them. "What makes you think I can trust you?"

"I won't lie to you; I despise Gavin just as much as you do." Harrison brushed off imaginary dust from his suit and settled back into his seat. "What you said earlier isn't exactly what I had in mind, but it's close enough-say, sixty percent accurate."

Seeing the surprise in Victoria's eyes, Harrison gave a sincere smile and continued, "I know you hate Gavin too. The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Surely I don't need to teach you that, Victoria?" He seemed genuinely intent on helping Victoria find out where her mother was.

Doubt flickered in Victoria's heart. She scrutinized Harrison, searching his face for any sign of deceit. But the man's eyes were clear, devoid of any guile or even a hint of remorse.

Perhaps she really could use him to her advantage?

With that thought, Victoria's eyes flickered, and she slowly moved closer to Harrison, working her wrists, "Aren't you afraid I'll spill our conversation to my dad?"

"Gavin won't believe you anyway."

Harrison was confident about his standing with his father-in-law. "He won't believe you, Victoria."

Victoria cursed inwardly-what a showoff!

disdain on her face, void of

iced coffee, the ease of his demeanor making Victoria grit her

was she who broke the silence

attention, "If you dare deceive me, you'll end up in a

her delicate hand to her eyes. She reminded him of the cautious yet utterly naive kitten he used

...

Emerald City.

shone brightly as Vivienne stepped out of

at the endless stretch of green hills that unfurled

trees, revealing the village nestled

already waiting at the village entrance.

the far end of the

with Leopold and Percival, Matthew led them in. "The nearest house to

in amusement. "That certainly makes our

"Go bring the car around, and remember not to

and Leopold, and couldn't help but add, "Actually, ruffling some feathers might not be an issue. In the few days I've been here, I've learned that the

I ran into an Abernathy. The locals even covered for me. It's been days, and the Abernathys haven't noticed anything amiss."

mayor's house-the one with the flagpole. It's

to a building that stood taller than the rest, with a flag waving proudly above it-visible even

direction, Vivienne saw a man in a white shirt, black trousers, and canvas shoes standing in the field, hoeing with an air of experience before picking up his tool