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 he had

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

even more astonishing

rogue's grin, she said, "Go prepare for Calista's reunion banquet, Scott. There will be a surprise

her door for a long while before

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

refused to acknowledge her engagement to

get to be so

many disciples stood up for her, and even Baron seemed to

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

with

everyone knew she was a Brooks, getting

time for Calista's reunion

her best behavior these

holding down the fort at the estate, no one

a bevy of A-list

had been making frequent appearances at

to Mila marrying Scott, she was, after all, Calista's

set

the afternoon, the Brooks estate was abuzz with

slipped into a black dress and leapt out her window, scaling the walls

jumped in

turned around with a smile,

returned the smile, "When Vivienne calls, how

they won't be back up here for half an hour. Can you manage?" "Half an hour is more than enough," Vivienne

split

a thorough search of

a safe but not the item she was looking

had brought Percival

would be her last search of Scott's