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!

speechlessness and disdain on her face, void

He leisurely sipped his iced coffee, the ease of his

pause, it was she who broke the silence with an impatient

"If you dare deceive

raised an eyebrow, shifting his gaze from her delicate hand to her eyes. She reminded him of the cautious yet utterly naive kitten he used

...

Emerald City.

sun shone brightly as Vivienne stepped out of

endless stretch of green hills that unfurled before

rustled the trees, revealing the village

the village entrance. Seeing

the Abernathys live at the far end

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

lips curled up in amusement. "That certainly makes our job

him a glance. "Go bring the car around, and remember not to alert

feathers might not be an issue. In the few days I've been

asking around about them, I ran into an Abernathy. The locals even covered for me. It's been days, and the Abernathys haven't noticed anything amiss." Leopold, Vivienne, and Percival exchanged speechless glances. This was

can drive in from behind the mayor's house-the one with the flagpole. It's more discreet and less likely to tip off the Abernathys. They're probably

taller than the rest, with a flag

shirt, black trousers, and canvas shoes standing in the field, hoeing with an