The Million-Dollar Heart

Percival came thundering down the stairs, his brows knitted in frustration, and without a word, he aimed a swift kick at Emrys. His icy gaze glided over Victoria with chilling indifference, the frost thawing slightly as his eyes settled on Vivienne.

"The jig is up," he said coolly. "You're like a fish on a chopping board now. What good does it do me to lie to you?"

Vivienne stroked his back soothingly. "Don't stoop to his level. If he had any sense, he wouldn't have been played by Gavin for all these years."

"Emrys, think about it. Gavin's the head of the Abernathy family now. That Littleton scandal's been cold for over a decade. If he wanted you back, would he have let you flounder this long?

As one of the top five influential families, you don't think the Abernathys have the means to hide you in the big city, do you? Besides, he's now under Grimshaw's thumb."

With a mocking smile, Vivienne added, "He's played you for a fool, and yet here you are, guarding his secrets like a loyal hound. I've seen many lapdogs, but one who would send his own mother to perdition? You're a first."

"Shut up!" Emrys roared, nearly delirious, thrashing on the ground.

The commotion woke everyone upstairs. Leopold and Matthew, without even bothering to put on their jackets, bolted down the stairs and landed their feet squarely on Emrys' face.

"Damn it, shut it! You've disturbed my beauty sleep!" Leopold growled, the very picture of a man not to be trifled with when sleep-deprived.

to catch some Z's,

volunteered, brandishing a

let this valuable asset against Gavin die

can arrest you right now for unlawful detention and let you rot in jail. Or two,

do I have to trust

as she lunged forward, only

you should trust me?" Vivienne's smile deepened, her delicate fingers tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Because I'm the one who poisoned you, and only I have the antidote." Emrys' eyes rolled frantically; his fingernails dug into his palms as he considered his options. Finally, at Victoria's impatient look, he nodded, reluctantly agreeing to Vivienne's terms. He didn't care about Nimue or anyone else's fate,

one more thing-how to surreptitiously switch out

was puzzled. "Switch? I thought

said offhandedly, "That scoundrel would dig up graves. How can

eyes flashed coldly. "So, Vivienne, you're planning a bait

eyes sparkled with mischief as she looked at Percival. "I've never stolen anything in my

in motion. The rest is up to you,

gaze lingered on Vivienne. "Heal my mother, and

in the main hall adorned