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.

most unique woman he

the heavens

Vivienne was even more

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

a long while before turning and walking

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

refused to acknowledge her engagement to Percival. She was so angry that she could have exploded

get to

and even Baron seemed to

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

with

everyone knew she was a

later, it's time for Calista's

best

Baron holding down the fort at the estate, no one dared to make trouble; everyone behaved perfectly. The banquet, held at

a bevy of A-list celebrities and high

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

Scott, she was, after all,

banquet was set for the

estate was abuzz

leapt out her window, scaling the walls of the Brooks Mansion with ease. With a few agile moves,

jumped in through the

around with a smile, "Mr. Wolf, impeccable

"When Vivienne calls, how can I be

and Matthew are keeping Scott occupied; they won't be back up here for half an hour.

split up and

began a thorough search

She had found a safe but not the item she was

had brought Percival along

would be her