The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 815

Sophie had been giving Victoria the stink eye since the moment she walked through the door.

If she had said anything like that, Gavin would have shot her down and given her an earful by now!

Now, Gavin's face was a picture of displeasure, with hardly a hint of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Feeling defiant, Sophie took a few steps forward. "Sis, that's not fair. Even if the court's decided, couldn't we just have Kaitlyn and the others issue an apology letter?"

Rubbing her eyes to muster tears, she turned to Gavin with her eyes reddening, "Dad, think about Uncle's family, Aunt and Grandma. If Uncle goes to jail, how will this big family cope?"

As she spoke, her tears began to fall. "Sis, please help us out. It wouldn't do you any good either if the Abernathy family got into trouble over this."

Her act was so convincing that Victoria felt like giving her a round of applause.

Just as she was about to retort that Sophie's head was clearly not screwed on right, it didn't mean hers wasn't either.

After being checked and treated by the Abernathy family doctor, Harrison was helped inside. "Dad, maybe we shouldn't push Victoria. She hasn't seen the Ellingtons in years, and now to meet under these circumstances, it might not be the best idea."

Madeline, sobbing uncontrollably, protested, "What's wrong with that? The Ellingtons are her maternal grandparents. They've ignored Victoria for years; can't they fulfill this one small request?"

"Madeline, have you no shame?!" Victoria couldn't hold back any longer and jumped out of bed, "Why do you think the Ellingtons have ignored me? If it wasn't for your shameless affair with my dad, breaking up his marriage with my mom, would the Ellingtons have been oblivious to my existence for all these years?"

"And you expect me to save your brother? You're dreaming!"

Her anger was palpable, and despite Harrison's attempts to calm her, her voice was loud enough for everyone outside to hear, "Look in the mirror before you make demands. Why don't you go beg Richard Ellington yourself and see if he doesn't throw you out?!"

"Victoria!"

Gavin, trying to console his distraught wife, was furious.

He was a mix of sympathy and anger.

His eyes red with rage, he scolded Victoria, "Have you no manners? She is your stepmother. What happened to the politeness I taught you?"

Without giving Victoria a chance to respond, Gavin pointed to the computer screen showing Vivienne, "Today, you'll hear it from me. You will make amends with the Ellington family, willing or not. If you don't bring back good news, forget about being the Abernathy heir!"

With that, Gavin, followed by a curious Sophie, quickly left Victoria's house.

By the time anyone tried to follow, the three were nowhere to be seen.

Only a trembling servant remained in the courtyard as Victoria, in a fit of rage, smashed a porcelain vase to the ground. The crash, accompanied by her furious yell, pierced the air, "Who cares about being the Abernathy heir?!"

"No, you do."

Harrison caught up, grabbing Victoria's arm and blocking her incoming blow, pulling her back inside.

As they walked, he tried to reason with her, "Do you really want to see Madeline and her daughter take what's rightfully yours? Remember, half of the Abernathy estate belongs to you."

"And your mother is still in Gavin's clutches. Don't you want to save her?"

Instinctively, Victoria responded, "You said you'd help me, didn't you?"

"I will, but we need enough power." Harrison seemed choked up before continuing, "Together, we can take control of the Abernathy estate. Isn't it easier to act with that kind of power?" Seemingly convinced by Harrison, Victoria's resistance lessened.

They re-entered the bedroom, where the tablet continued to stream the trial live.

In the courtroom, as evidence was presented and the judge began the sentencing, "...Kipling is sentenced to twelve years in prison, with a two-month probation...Zinnia for attempted murder, eight years, effective immediately...Kipling to publicly apologize to Julian, explaining the situation..."

Vivienne was ambivalent about the outcome.

Before leaving, she glanced at Ramona and smiled faintly.

In that moment, Ramona felt as if a predator had its eyes on her, sending shivers down her spine.

Turning around, Vivienne had already looked away.

Yet, Ramona was certain that eerie feeling had everything to do with Vivienne.

"Did you get all the information?" Vivienne checked with Jerry as they were about to leave.

Jerry, dressed in his lawyer's attire, smiled, "Everything's been gathered and sent to your email."

Percival scrolled through his phone, "As you can see, they're getting impatient."

Vivienne tilted her head, "The game's not over yet, Mr. Wolf. We're just one move away from tearing this whole situation wide open!"

"But indeed, we can start moving our plans forward a bit."

As the group walked out of the courthouse, Kaitlyn suddenly spoke up as if she had just remembered something, "I've seen that Ramona before!"

Her unexpected remark made everyone halt in their tracks, including Cassidy, who was trailing behind. She lifted her head to look at Kaitlyn, while a flicker of interest passed through Vivienne's eyes. Glancing around, Vivienne patted Kaitlyn on the shoulder, "Let's talk about it when we get back."

Then, she turned her head to look at Cassidy, "As per our agreement, I'll arrange for you to be sent abroad the day after tomorrow. Staying in the country with Zinnia's widespread influence, you'll always have to worry about retaliation. It's impossible to live a peaceful life here."

Cassidy had no objections.

She just wanted to leave this troubled place, the farther the better. Whether it was abroad or within the country made no difference to her.

"Also, you'll receive a regular allowance, considering your good behavior today. If there's anyone you wish to take with you, that's possible too." Vivienne was in a good mood, her expression much softer than before when she looked at Cassidy.

Especially the benefits she mentioned, which were not part of the initial deal.

Even though Cassidy was indifferent to everything, she couldn't help but lift her head in surprise, staring blankly for a moment before Leo's prompting brought her back to reality, "No, I don't have anyone to bring. My grandparents, who loved me the most, are already gone. Now, it's just me."

Her brother Austin didn't even cross her mind.

This response was expected by both Vivienne and Percival.

Vivienne nodded, signaling Leo to escort Cassidy back to the mansion. These days, it wasn't safe for Cassidy to return to her own home.

Although Cassidy was coerced, she was also the reason Julian Littleton had borne so much infamy for years. Therefore, Vivienne wouldn't arrange protection for Cassidy.

Allowing Cassidy to stay at her mansion was already an extraordinary act of mercy.