The Million-Dollar Heart

The elders of the Brooks family had no objections to Tristan's proposal.

But Kala wasn't having any of it! She immediately retorted, "A big to-do for what? Tristan, don't forget that Vivienne is the daughter of the person who saved your life! Have you no conscience? Where do you put Vivienne by making such a fuss for Calista?"

Tristan's gaze sharpened, and he glanced sideways at Vivienne, noting her indifferent expression. He replied, "My gratitude and the family reunion for Calista are two separate matters. After all, she is a Brooks and now that she's back, a proper gathering is called for."

"She's a Brooks, so what?" Kala fumed. "She's not the only daughter in this family."

What was so special about Calista anyway?

If Mila didn't stir the pot, Calista wouldn't be an issue.

Kala's heart ached for Vivienne. Scott had initially claimed to dislike Calista and didn't agree with her return. Yet, in the blink of an eye, not only did he visit Calista in the hospital, but he also hired an exceptionally skilled doctor to set her broken bones.

Kala had seen it with her own eyes. Calista's limbs were broken, and doctors capable of such a successful procedure were few and far between.

And yet, Scott had managed to enlist Dr. Brody, whose skills were renowned and sought after, often commanding a hefty fee.

And Scott did it all for Calista.

That might have been forgivable, but now he was planning a family reunion for her. Had he spared a thought for Vivienne?

Carl glanced at Calista, who looked smugly triumphant, and a flicker of disdain crossed his eyes.

While the family squabbled over her, Calista maintained an air of victory, which was worlds apart from Vivienne.

Carl was about to speak up for Vivienne when Judith suddenly cut in, "Enough! Calista is our child, and the reunion will go ahead. The matter is settled, no more discussion."

With that, she turned to Vivienne; her tone was suggesting a discussion but her stance left no room for argument, "Vivienne, Calista is your sister. From now on, you two should get along."

her tone might have been harsh, she took Vivienne's hand and patted it gently, "The best thing for

looked at her with a semi-smile on her face

Vivienne's hand, "Vivienne, you can count on me. We're sisters

tone carried the

hand, now in Calista's grasp, and walked over to a nearby table to pick up a wet wipe. She calmly cleaned her hand that had been touched. Then, tossing the wipe into the trash, her voice was cool and detached, "My mother only had one

cold, "And

face contorted

That damn Vivienne!

call her dirty? On

the second daughter of the Brooks

feelings, and said with a smile, "I know you must have misunderstood my past actions, sister. I apologize, and I promise there will be no repeat. We're family after all."

since announcing the reunion for Calista, looked at Vivienne before speaking, "I'll consult the professionals to pick a date for the reunion. Once it's settled, I'll inform you all. This decision is final; I don't want to hear

Scott

incensed, began to

a single glare from Scott silenced her; his eyes were filled with a threatening intent that

family didn't

decided, Judith turned to Percival, who had been silent throughout, "Percival, we have some family matters to discuss.

gaze and gave Vivienne a sidelong look,

outsider, it surely wasn't his place to be involved

Percival left, Judith returned to her seat and addressed the room, "There's one more thing we need

Everyone looked at her.

lingered on Vivienne, who sat languidly with an air of nonchalance about her. Judith retracted

eyes fell on Vivienne once more, "It's not a big deal, really. It's just that Vivienne's engagement to Percival is to be called off." The announcement swept through the hall like a