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.

the most unique

heavens seemed

Vivienne was even more astonishing than her

grew wilder. She straightened up and put hands in her pockets. And with a rogue's grin, she said, "Go prepare for Calista's reunion banquet, Scott.

her door for a

fright at the explosion. Learning that it was Vivienne's disciples coming for revenge had her

to acknowledge her engagement to Percival. She was so angry

get to be

up for her, and even Baron seemed to

but she restrained herself, not wanting the Brooks' to

didn't agree with the engagement, so

the reunion banquet was over and everyone knew she was a Brooks, getting Percival would be a piece

days later, it's time for

been on her best behavior these last few

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 hotel

had invited a bevy of A-list celebrities and

been making frequent appearances

had previously been opposed to Mila marrying Scott, she was, after all, Calista's mother. So her attitude

was set

was

Vivienne slipped into a black dress and leapt out her window, scaling the walls of the Brooks Mansion with

figure jumped in through

turned around with a smile,

calls, how can

they won't be back up here for half an

split up

further conversation, they began a thorough search of Scott's

here before. She had found a safe but not the item

she had brought Percival along for a more extensive

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