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

the gifts she received from the heavens seemed to

was even more astonishing than her

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

outside her door for a long while before

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

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

Vivienne get to be so

up for her, and even Baron seemed to

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

with the engagement,

reunion banquet was over and everyone knew she was a Brooks,

days later, it's time for Calista's reunion

been on her best behavior these

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

had invited a bevy of A-list celebrities

making frequent appearances at the estate and

opposed to Mila marrying Scott, she was, after all, Calista's

banquet was set for the

afternoon, the Brooks estate was abuzz with preparations

window, scaling the walls of the Brooks Mansion with ease. With a few agile moves, she landed in

jumped in

with a smile, "Mr. Wolf, impeccable

returned the smile, "When Vivienne calls, how

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

split

conversation, they began a

before. She had found a

she had brought Percival along for a more extensive

would be her last