The Million-Dollar Heart

Gavin's jaw worked, but no words came out. If there was anyone in the room who least wanted to see Whitford, it was definitely him. The man who had somehow become the common thread linking the Littletons, the Schrams, and the Abernathys together.

Was Vivienne's real motive in bringing him here just to clear the Littleton name?

"Gavin, will you say something?" Madeline pushed him, clearly impatient for an answer. Unlike his usual gentle demeanor, Gavin shoved her away, "I really can't deal with you right now!"

His cold tone left Madeline stomping her foot in frustration.

The initial shock wearing off, Victoria watched the drama unfold with a gleam in her eye. "Ms. Abernathy, your old flame, and you've forgotten him?"

Her lips curled into a mischievous smile. "If I'm not mistaken, wasn't Whitford the one you were with before my dad? Looks like you've forgotten your long-term meal ticket."

"You mean to tell me that's Whitford?!"

Madeline was so startled she almost choked, her delicate hand pointing shakily at the man who hadn't glanced their way since taking the stand.

"How is this possible?! Wasn't he locked up by Vanguard Agency? Why is he out?!"

saw Whitford, the once bulky man now barely recognizable after his time in jail, especially to someone who

panic was palpable as she clutched her chest, her complexion turning ghostly pale. Her eyes darted around the room until they landed on Sophie, who was staring dreamily at Percival. A sense

It couldn't be possible!

testify. Once the trial was over, he'd go back to prison. No matter how powerful Vivienne was, there

time. Victoria's brows furrowed slightly, suspicion gleaming in her eyes: Madeline's reaction seemed more like she was facing a creditor than an

there be some unspeakable secret between

long. She turned her attention back to the courtroom as Whitford took the witness stand. Vivienne's witnesses were all

the judge's command,

stepped forward. "Your Honor, we've heard Vince's accusations, and they're baseless. We worked closely with Frank, even negotiating with him

disgusted. "Frank was the best among us, a true genius. Vince's allegations are

under the

"Remember, if I go

Vince, torn and

attention. Vince fumbled through his statement, accusing

ingrate! Frank lifted you from nothing. To betray him now...

courtroom erupted into

judge