The Million-Dollar Heart

After Jerry and his crew had left, Scott's face was a storm cloud as he ascended the staircase and made his way to Vivienne's room.

He rapped on the door, and after a long wait, Vivienne eventually came to open it.

Leaning casually against the door frame, she arched an eyebrow, "You looking for me, Mr. Brooks?"

Scott locked eyes with her, his voice a shade deeper than usual, "Happy with the chaos you've caused?"

Vivienne let out a dry laugh, "Huh! Are you here to settle scores with me?"

Her tone was cool, edged with an unspoken authority.

Scott's brows knitted together. After a long stare, he softened, "Vivienne, I know you're upset about Calista coming back, but I have my reasons that I can't share. Dad's always loved you the most, and I hope you can understand that."

Vivienne's lips twisted into a mocking smile, "Mr. Brooks, are you mistaken? I've always been very understanding."

Her smile had a seductive twist, "I understand the difficulty you face so I agree with bringing Calista back into the Brooks fold and I even went along with canceling the engagement. I've been nothing but accommodating. What more do you want from me, my heart on a platter?"

Scott's expression soured, "If you understand me, then why let your disciples create a scene at the Brooks estate? And why send Richard to hassle Grandpa at the nursing home? The Brooks family has weathered enough storms; I just want some peace."

Rubbing her temples and then crossing her arms, Vivienne looked at him with amusement, "Richard going after Baron was his own doing. My disciples? They can't stand to see me bullied. They were just looking out for me. Is that a problem?"

"Yes, it's understandable," Scott conceded, "but you should still try to calm them down."

Vivienne couldn't help but laugh, "Mr. Brooks, are you losing your cool?"

Scott's heart skipped and cast her a surprised look. Was she onto something?

He fell silent for a moment before asking, "What do you mean?"

With a sly smile, Vivienne probed, "Who do you think is more formidable, me or my mother?"

"You," Scott replied without hesitation.

unique woman

all the gifts she received from the heavens

Vivienne was even more astonishing

her pockets. And with a rogue's grin, she said, "Go prepare for Calista's reunion banquet, Scott. There will be a surprise waiting for you." Frowning, Scott tried to speak, but

her door for a long

at the explosion. Learning that it was

heard that Baron had returned in a rage and refused to acknowledge her engagement to Percival. She

get

up for her, and even Baron seemed

herself, not wanting the Brooks' to be disappointed in her. She huffed

with

banquet was over and everyone knew she was a

days later, it's time for Calista's reunion

best behavior

for her banquet. With Baron holding down the fort at the estate, no one dared to make trouble; everyone behaved perfectly.

a bevy of

appearances at the

marrying Scott, she was,

banquet was set

was

window, scaling the walls of the Brooks Mansion with ease. With a few

figure jumped in

turned around with a smile, "Mr. Wolf,

calls, how can I be anything

are keeping Scott occupied; they won't be back up here for half an hour. Can you manage?" "Half an hour

split

they began a thorough search

She had found a

time she had brought Percival

this would be her last search of Scott's personal