The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 799

The roar infused with a primal force hit Kipling like a physical blow, making his scalp tingle and half of his body tremble uncontrollably.

Had he not been clutching the door frame for dear life, he might have ended up on his knees.

His mind buzzed, disoriented, as he nodded and backed out of the room.

No sooner had he stepped out than the door slammed shut with a loud bang, narrowly missing his head!

He didn't know how long he waited, pacing the living room in circles, before Gavin finally emerged, looking sharp and composed. His cold gaze landed on Kipling, dark and displeased.

Without even a proper look at Kipling, Gavin took his seat at the head of the table, exasperated. "What's the crisis now?"

Kipling, hands shaking, rushed forward. "It's a disaster! Someone dug up my bank statements!"

"And? What of it..." Gavin was about to dismiss the concern, suggesting Kipling's modest transactions couldn't possibly cause trouble, when he suddenly paused, eyes widening. "Which account are you talking about?!"

"The one I use to transfer funds to you." Kipling's voice trembled, panic written all over his face. "Gavin, what do we do now?! They're accusing me of taking bribes, and the court's started looking for the source of the rumors! I'm out of options! The department head's already calling for an investigation!"

The normally imposing figure was on the verge of tears.

Madeline wrapped herself in a coat and stepped out, bypassing greetings to rush to Gavin's side. "Gavin, you have to help Kipling. He's my only brother. If it weren't for him, I hate to think how our parents would've treated me."

"Gavin, please, I beg of you," Kipling pleaded, dropping to his knees with a hopeful look in his eyes. "Do it for my sister's sake. I'm begging you!"

Gavin glanced at Madeline, his expression unreadable for the first time.

With a subtle gesture, he directed the staff to move aside.

The loyal butler, understanding the cue, signaled for the maids to escort Madeline back to her room. "Ma'am, it's chilly. You should go back inside."

Madeline resisted, trying to approach Gavin again, only to be halted by his stern look.

Feeling a sharp pain in her heart, she realized Gavin wanted her out of this. Her gaze, once youthful despite her years, was fixed on Gavin, who seemed oblivious to her stare. Only when annoyed did he finally instruct, "Go back. I'll join you once I've sorted this out."