The Million-Dollar Heart

Victoria's fragile demeanor was something Vivienne couldn't bear to witness. "Harrison was all set to take this to court with Vivienne, but when he heard about our relationship, he feared a family feud in the courtroom would spoil relations. He also worried I wouldn't be able to integrate into the Ellingtons, so he hoped his cousin would drop the lawsuit voluntarily. After all, no matter how this lawsuit goes, we're bound to win."

She said this with a pointed look at Vivienne, "It would be a shame for all your efforts to end up fruitless."

Vivienne thought to herself, 'Playing the coquette certainly requires talent.'

Percival spoke without a hint of emotion, "Really? We're not afraid of a little discord. Court sounds just fine to me."

"Mr. Ellington perhaps shouldn't indulge Ms. Hawthorn quite so much." Harrison sipped his tea, the picture of calm, "She's young, easily deceived. Hoodwinked by Kaitlyn's spiel, her misplaced sense of loyalty is understandable. But should Mr. Ellington really turn against his own kin for a woman with no blood ties?

Besides, the matter at hand, no matter how you slice it, is between Kaitlyn and me. Mr. Ellington and Ms. Hawthorn, sticking your noses in, doesn't seem quite right."

Vivienne's retort was nonchalant, "I have money to spare, and I enjoy it. Do you have a problem with that?"

Her delicate chin tilted ever so slightly, a mix of haughtiness and charm.

Richard watched, a smile growing in his eyes. That's our Vivienne, he thought, always standing up for the underdog, far better than that icy-faced grandson of mine!

now. Let the young one help if she wants. If the case is a lost cause as you

eyes sweeping over the assembly without betraying

to be advocating for them. Anyone with half a brain could tell his heart was firmly

overtly or covertly, dared not criticize Percival. Was the courtroom really his only option left? Vivienne's barely concealed smirk was irksome,

court? No man would relish being labeled a scoundrel, right, Mr. Wolf?" She glanced at Percival, her tone questioning, but the insinuation against Harrison

help but turn away, her cheeks

Vivienne. Some shameless men quite enjoy their scoundrel reputation. But Harrison is

a visible shift in the room,

wanted to distance himself from Gavin more than in

Vivienne and Percival there, lying

darkened further, "Enough!" Richard interrupted coldly before he could finish his excuse, "There's no need for all this pretense if you're honest. If any of it's true, I'll stake

situation had spiraled beyond what Harrison had anticipated. His heart plummeted, recalling the panic he felt

How could this happen?!

could he remain

at Harrison, "Karma always catches up with those who walk a

left with a

her eye that was hard to decipher-was it mockery