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 had ever

she received from the heavens seemed to halo

was even more astonishing than her

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

stood outside her door for a long while before

side, Calista was nearly out of her skin with fright at

and refused to acknowledge her

Vivienne get to be

stood up for her, and even Baron seemed to be on her

she restrained herself, not wanting the Brooks' to be

agree with the

was a

time

been on her best behavior these last

making preparations for her banquet. With Baron holding down the fort at the estate, no one dared to make trouble; everyone behaved perfectly. The banquet, held at the Brooks estate, was far more lavish than Vivienne's simple hotel

bevy of

had been making frequent appearances at the

previously been opposed to Mila marrying Scott, she was, after all, Calista's mother. So her

set for the

the Brooks estate was abuzz with preparations to welcome

seven o'clock, as dusk settled, Vivienne slipped into a black dress and leapt out her window, scaling the walls of the Brooks Mansion with ease. With a few agile moves, she landed in

another figure jumped in

with a smile, "Mr. Wolf,

smile, "When Vivienne calls, how can I be anything

keeping Scott occupied; they won't be back up here for half an hour. Can

let's split up and

began a

before. She had found a safe but not

time she had brought Percival

be her last search