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 woman he had ever

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

more astonishing than

said, "Go prepare for Calista's reunion banquet, Scott. There will be a surprise waiting for you." Frowning, Scott tried to

outside her door for a long while before turning and walking

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

to acknowledge her engagement

did Vivienne get

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

anger, but she restrained herself, not wanting the Brooks'

agree with

reunion banquet was over and everyone knew she was a Brooks, getting

later, it's time for Calista's

been on her best behavior these last few

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

family had invited a bevy of

Calista's mother, had been making frequent appearances

Scott, she was, after all, Calista's mother. So her

banquet was set for the

Brooks estate was abuzz

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 Scott's

figure jumped in through the

around with a smile, "Mr.

Vivienne calls, how can

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

a thorough search of

found a safe but not the item

Percival along for

be her last search of Scott's