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

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

was even more

"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 door

her door for a long while

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

in a rage and refused to acknowledge her engagement to Percival. She was so angry that she could have exploded right

Vivienne get to be

her, and

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

agree with the engagement, so

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

it's time for

on her best behavior these last few

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

bevy of A-list celebrities and high

frequent appearances at the

Scott, she was, after

was set for the

was abuzz with preparations to

out her window, scaling the walls of the Brooks Mansion with ease. With a few agile moves, she landed in

figure jumped in through

with a smile,

returned the smile, "When Vivienne calls, how can I be

are keeping Scott occupied; they won't be back up here for

let's split

a thorough search

had found a safe

time she had brought Percival along for a

this would be her last search of Scott's