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

all the gifts she received from the heavens seemed

even more astonishing than

reunion banquet, Scott. There will be a surprise waiting for you." Frowning, Scott tried to speak, but Vivienne had already shut

her door for a long while

her skin with fright at the explosion. Learning that it

had returned in a rage and refused to acknowledge her engagement to Percival. She was

get

disciples stood up for her, and

wanting the Brooks' to be disappointed

didn't agree with

was a Brooks, getting Percival would be a piece of

later, it's time for Calista's reunion

best

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

a bevy of A-list

making frequent appearances at the

Mila marrying Scott, she was, after all, Calista's mother. So her attitude had warmed

was set for the

Brooks estate was abuzz with

window, scaling the walls of the Brooks Mansion with ease. With a few

jumped in through the

with a smile, "Mr. Wolf,

smile, "When Vivienne calls, how can I

"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

let's split up and

they began a

here before. She had found a safe

Percival

any surprises, this would be her last search of