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

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

was even more astonishing

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 already shut the

door for a long while before turning

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

she heard that Baron had returned in a rage and refused to acknowledge her engagement to Percival. She

did Vivienne get

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

not wanting the Brooks' to be disappointed in her.

didn't agree with the engagement,

over and everyone knew she was a

time for Calista's reunion

been on her best behavior these

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

family had invited a bevy of A-list celebrities and

as Calista's mother, had been making frequent appearances at the estate

she was, after

banquet was set for the

Brooks estate was abuzz with

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

later, another figure jumped in through

with a smile,

"When Vivienne calls, how can

keeping Scott occupied; they won't be back up here for half an hour. Can you manage?" "Half an hour

let's split up

a thorough

a safe but not the item she

she had brought Percival

surprises, this would be her