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.

unique woman he

heavens seemed to

even more astonishing than

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

door for a long

fright at the explosion. Learning that it was Vivienne's disciples

to acknowledge her engagement to Percival. She was so angry

get

her, and even Baron seemed to

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

agree with

was a Brooks, getting Percival would

it's time for Calista's reunion

her best behavior

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 simple hotel

invited a bevy of

Calista's mother, had been making frequent appearances at the estate and taking advantage

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

was set

the Brooks estate was abuzz with preparations

black dress and leapt out her window, scaling the walls of the Brooks Mansion with ease.

another figure jumped in

turned around with a smile, "Mr. Wolf, impeccable

Vivienne calls, how can I be

room, "Thomas and Matthew are keeping Scott occupied; they won't be back up here for half an hour. Can you manage?"

split up and

they began a thorough

found a safe but not the item

time she had brought Percival

surprises, this would be her