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.

was the most unique

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

was even more astonishing than

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

a long while before turning and

was nearly out of her skin with fright at the explosion. Learning

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

get

for her, and

in her anger, but she restrained herself, not wanting the Brooks' to be

agree with the engagement, so

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

it's time for

best behavior these

no one dared to make

of

appearances at the

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

banquet was set for

estate was abuzz with preparations to

seven o'clock, as dusk settled, Vivienne slipped into a black dress and leapt out her window, scaling the walls of the

later, another figure jumped

a smile, "Mr.

returned the smile, "When Vivienne calls, how can

swept over Scott's room, "Thomas and Matthew are keeping Scott occupied; they won't be back up here for half an hour. Can you manage?" "Half an hour is more than enough," Vivienne

let's split up

they began a thorough

before. She had found a safe but not the item she was looking

brought Percival

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