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 he

wisdom, her talents and all the gifts she received from the heavens seemed to halo her in an

even more astonishing

grin, she said, "Go prepare for Calista's reunion banquet, Scott.

for a long

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

had returned in a rage and refused to acknowledge her engagement to Percival. She was so angry

get to be

for her, and even Baron seemed

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

didn't agree with the engagement, so

and everyone knew she was

later, it's time for Calista's

best behavior these last

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

invited a bevy of A-list celebrities and high

mother, had been making frequent appearances at the estate and taking advantage of

to Mila marrying Scott, she was, after all, Calista's mother. So her attitude had warmed

was set

the Brooks estate was

and leapt out her window, scaling the walls of the Brooks Mansion with ease. With

later, another figure jumped in

around with a smile, "Mr. Wolf,

calls, how can I be

back up here

split

they began a

found a safe

Percival along for

any surprises, this would be her last search of Scott's