The Million-Dollar Heart

In the shadow-draped halls of the Abernathy manor, a chill hung in the air, so palpable it was as though the room had plunged into an icy cellar. Gavin Abernathy exuded a frostiness that was more than just the temperature; those familiar with him could see the panic mingling with the cold in his eyes.

His thoughts, however, had already drifted elsewhere.

One fact consumed his mind: Emrys Abernathy had been taken by Vivienne and Percival.

And now, the Ellingtons were aware of the incident with Holly Ellington.

The Ellington family might not boast the ancient lineage of warriors like the Grimshaws, but their dominance in Rivenwood's elite for decades spoke volumes of their influence and power. In other words, while they might not challenge the ancient Grimshaw warriors, they were certainly a match for the Abernathys.

To the public, the ancient lineages were almost mythical, revered as demigods. Yet, the truth was, their differences from the average families were minimal: unique abilities passed down, and wealth- inheritances that could last several lifetimes.

But times were changing rapidly. What was left by their ancestors, not only for the Abernathys but even for the Grimshaws, was dwindling.

This scarcity was precisely why the ancient families had become more visible lately; they were running out of their stockpiled wealth and needed new means to sustain themselves.

Gavin's wealth, much of which came from unsavory sources like his dealings with Kipling, was not enough to guarantee safety anymore. With the Ellingtons possibly seeking retribution, the Abernathys were in a precarious position.

Gavin frowned, his voice heavy, "The Ellingtons taking someone... This complicates things."

"Dad, if he's really with Vivienne, we're out of options!" Harrison Schram's right eyelid twitched more violently at the thought. "None of those involved back then were particularly tough."

Gavin wasn't so quick to lose hope, "Not necessarily. My brother trusts me more than anyone. Even if Vivienne has him, I doubt he'd betray us. My fear is..."

Abernathy, his gaze laden with

catching the unfinished thought, looked puzzled, "Dad, what are

regarding Holly in Emerald City wasn't suitable for Victoria to know, "As long as Emrys doesn't talk, even if Vivienne has him, it won't matter." Harrison,

since Emrys is your brother, why don't we claim he

and Victoria turned their gaze

since he married into the Abernathy family, "Ridiculous! You know the history

"But..."

let's not push your father," Victoria intervened, foreseeing another outburst. "Dad's right. We don't even know where Vivienne is hiding him. Charging in might just backfire, especially if the Ellington patriarch is unaware

solace in his daughter's words,

by Victoria's reasoning, Harrison finally

mind a whirlwind of anxiety and speculation, wondered if the Ellingtons' silence

Ellington's cherished daughter, the

realization brought Gavin

strategies With a glance, she understood her father's thoughts,

another glance at Harrison, whose calm demeanor couldn't quite mask his underlying anxiety. She marveled inwardly at their acting

were putting on quite the

she hadn't already known her mother's whereabouts, she might have actually

Feigning ignorance, Victoria lounged

chair, legs crossed,