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?!"
Her shock was understandable. Years had passed since she last saw Whitford, the once bulky man now barely recognizable
after his time in jail, especially to someone who had lived as comfortably as Mrs. Abernathy.
Her 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 of dread began to spread through her heart.
It couldn't be possible!
He was just here to testify. Once the trial was over, he'd go back to prison. No matter how powerful Vivienne was, there was no
way she could know about that incident!
She clutched at her dress, not realizing that a pair of eyes had been watching her the whole time. Victoria's brows furrowed
slightly, suspicion gleaming in her eyes: Madeline's reaction seemed more like she was facing a creditor than an old lover.

Could there be some unspeakable secret between her and Whitford?
But Victoria didn't dwell on it for long. She turned her attention back to the courtroom as Whitford took the witness stand.
Vivienne's witnesses were all in place.
At the judge's command, Trent and
a group of researchers stepped forward. "Your Honor, we've heard Vince's accusations, and they're baseless. We worked closely
with Frank, even negotiating with him privately. There was never any misconduct."
Blake glared at Vince, clearly disgusted. "Frank was the best among us, a true genius. Vince's allegations are absurd!"
Vince squirmed under the scrutiny, his nervousness evident.
Suddenly, Harrison's warning jolted him, "Remember, if I go down, you'll never see your wife again."
The threat hit home, and Vince, torn and struggling, finally spoke up, "I object!"
His interruption drew the judge's attention. Vince fumbled through his statement, accusing Frank of recklessness, a claim that
enraged Blake.
"Vince, you ingrate! Frank lifted you from nothing. To betray him now... Do you have any conscience?"
The courtroom erupted into chaos,
with the judge struggling to maintain
order. It was a mess of accusations
and shattered loyalties, a drama far removed from its humble beginnings.
Trent clapped Blake on the back, pulling him behind, "Easy there, don't blow a gasket over this. Vince, you know damn well what
went down back in the day."
"We're here to set things straight for Frank. If you've got an ounce of decency left, you'd best shut your trap!"
The old-timer wasn't someone to mess with; his gaze could cut through steel.

Vince, who used to tower over them in every situation, suddenly seemed smaller, shrinking under the old man's scornful look. A
pang of guilt hit Vince right in the chest.
Before anyone could speak, Trent's
voice rang out, "Let's not even go way back. Just three days ago, Harrison was knocking on our doors.
Offered us ten million to pin the ne
blame on Frank. The judge always says, "If you've done nothing wrong, I've got nothing to fear. So why's he in such a hurry to
clear his name, huh?"