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.

most unique woman

all the gifts she received from the heavens seemed to halo her in an inextinguishable glow. She

was even more

smile grew wilder. She straightened up and put hands in 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 Vivienne had already shut the

her door for a

the other side, Calista was nearly out of her skin with fright at the explosion. Learning that it was

to acknowledge her engagement to Percival.

get to be so

stood up for her, and even Baron seemed to be

to smash something in her anger, but she restrained herself, not wanting the Brooks' to be disappointed in her. She huffed to herself

didn't agree with

reunion banquet was over and everyone knew she was a Brooks, getting Percival would

time for Calista's

best behavior these

estate, no one

bevy of

mother, had been making frequent appearances at the estate and

been opposed to Mila marrying Scott, she was,

banquet was set for

was abuzz with preparations to

slipped into a black dress and leapt out her window, scaling the walls of the Brooks Mansion with ease. With a few agile moves,

jumped

a

calls, how can I be

occupied; they won't be back up here for half

split up

they began a

been here before. She had found a safe but

brought Percival along for a more extensive

this would be her last search of Scott's