The Million-Dollar Heart

The slap never landed on Victoria's face.

Instead, it was caught in unison by Harrison and Victoria. Their expressions froze momentarily before they pushed Sophie out with force!

Someone with no background in martial arts would easily end up on the floor, which is exactly what happened to Sophie. She crashed, landing squarely on her behind.

The pain in her tailbone was excruciating, making her curl up on the ground, yet she still found the strength to curse, "Victoria, you're going to pay for this! I just wanted to help you, and this is how you repay me? I'm telling Dad!"

Her shrill voice echoed around the diner.

Normally, Victoria would have charged at Sophie, fists ready. But with Harrison there, she lost interest in the squabble. "Harrison, why didn't I see it before? You have a thing for Sophie, don't you? Seeing her humiliated bothers you, right?"

"If you had just told me, I would've packed my bags already. Tell my father we're getting a divorce, let you two lovebirds have your happy ending."

Harrison was on the verge of exploding, "Victoria, can't you act normal for once?! If I lose the trial tomorrow, I'll end up like Kipling!"

"And then, who in the Abernathy family will truly stand by you?"

Victoria scoffed, "If you didn't want Sophie here, you should've said something at home. Oh, but you're scared of being exposed as a hypocrite, worried Madeline would spill the beans to my father?"

some dignity! If you can't convince Vivienne to back down, don't blame me. I'm done playing the

of her hand and eyes wide with anger or perhaps an act, she declared,

anyone even

feet, her voice hoarse from shouting. She was determined to make Victoria

well have been deaf to her. Harrison, with a fierce look in his eyes, ignored Sophie completely, "Victoria, stop being unreasonable! If I get locked up, what good will it do you? Remember, for better or worse, we're in

and walked away, no longer interested in engaging

scheme, she would never have married him in the

north of Rivenwood, nestled among the mountains,

car approached slowly, coming to a stop in front of the mansion. A

quickly,

a red dress lounged on the sofa, swirling a glass

Harrison's trial begins tomorrow. Gavin has been scrambling to get him

red took a sip of her wine, her fingers trailing along the sofa,

his head down, "With the Abernathy family out of

stood, approaching a rose in the windowsill, "If they're

"Yes," the man replied.

glanced at him, adding, "Leave

ancient warrior lineage under scrutiny, wiping out

him, "Do you think I've been hiding successfully up

understand!" the

a big show

to bait a bigger fish - Samantha, and through her, me.' Abigail's smile widened, "That girl