The Million-Dollar Heart

Kenneth, still in the throes of his rebellious phase and not yet graduated from college, held a defiant air even when chided by Richard. With a wrinkled nose and a slap of his phone onto the table, he exclaimed "It's not like I said anything wrong! Even our school's septuagenarian professor knows about yesterday's drama. She looks quite youthful; how could she be out of the loop?!"

"Now, the whole of Veridia knows about Kipling getting probation. She's playing dumb on purpose, clearly has an ulterior motive!"

Kenneth was no stranger to the gossip about the Abernathy and Ellington families, not to mention Gavin's infamous affair, which he had overheard from Aaron Miller and Anna's conversation.

Disdain crossed his face at the mention of Kipling, "Given Kipling's dubious reputation, how could the Abernathy heiress be unaware? Knowing full well he's the brother of the woman who hurt Aunt Holly, and yet she comes asking? What's her angle, trying to plead on his behalf?"

Victoria was taken aback. She had been pondering how to broach the subject without upsetting Richard, and now Kenneth had blurted it out.

Victoria, seldom on the receiving end of such sarcasm, wasn't too put off.

Sitting up straight, she feigned annoyance, "Listen here, kiddo, watch your mouth! So, you think I'm advocating for Kipling, huh? Well, it seems I must prove your accusation right today!"

As she spoke, she grabbed Richard's hand, playing the victim, "Grandpa, I do believe Kipling deserves some leniency. Perhaps, Cousin Keith and Kaitlyn could be persuaded to draft a letter of forgiveness to let him off."

Her words suggested one thing, but her eyes, gleaming with mischief, were clearly taunting Kenneth.

Before Richard could even respond, she continued, "Dad said if they agree to let Kipling off, he'll ensure a generous reward for the Littleton family and have the Abernathys formally apologize to Kaitlyn!" Brady interjected, "Well, at least you said something. But this sounds more like you're throwing a tantrum. I'm not sure Richard will go for it."

He pondered, recalling the recording pen Gavin had sneakily given him, wondering if Gavin Abernathy could discern through the audio that his daughter wasn't seriously pursuing their plot.

Kenneth's eyes bulged in disbelief, "Victoria, have you no shame? Even in a fit of pique, how can you utter such words?!"

"I'm merely fulfilling your earlier slander. Whether

retorted, "How does it not concern me? I'm part of the Ellington family too! You, as Aunt Holly's daughter, siding with the Abernathys, are nothing

unable to tolerate their bickering

As Holly's father, I cannot justify actions that would only hurt our own and please our enemies." Standing up, he

such matters?" Victoria, mouth agape, looked towards Brady, her expression screaming "I tried my best." But Brady, undeterred, seized the moment just as Richard

he really

Victoria leisurely seated at the head, enjoying a plate of fruit as if

.ne

stood Brady, recounting Richard's words to Gavin without lifting his gaze, "Yes, Richard said the Ellington family is

the final message, knowing well the repercussions of

before he could decide,

down her

for the Abernathy family

grace, hoping for our downfall, except for me, of course. He even vowed to dedicate a golden statue in the temple if his wish came true, among other

tone, light and provocative, only fueled

patience had

out that Victoria had

high-heeled shoe dangled in mid-air, hesitating whether to proceed or

a moment's hesitation, her

her fingertip, she took a deep breath, and her high heel clicked against the ground

living room in