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

she received from the heavens seemed

was even more

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

for a long while before turning and

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

she heard that Baron had returned in a rage and refused to acknowledge her engagement to Percival. She was so angry that she could have exploded

get to be

for her, and even Baron seemed

wanted to smash something in her anger, but she restrained herself, not wanting the Brooks' to be disappointed in

agree with the engagement, so

she was

it's time for Calista's reunion

on her best behavior these last

one dared

family had invited a bevy of

frequent appearances

marrying Scott, she was, after all,

banquet was set for the

afternoon, the Brooks estate was abuzz with preparations to welcome the

o'clock, as dusk settled, Vivienne slipped into a black dress and leapt out her window, scaling

another figure jumped in

with a smile, "Mr. Wolf,

smile, "When Vivienne calls, how can I

keeping Scott occupied; they won't be back up here for

let's split

further conversation, they began a thorough search

before. She had found a safe but not the

time she had brought Percival along for a

would be her last search of Scott's