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 had

received from the heavens

more astonishing than her

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 the door in

outside her door for a long while before

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

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

did Vivienne get

disciples stood up for her, and even Baron seemed to be

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

didn't agree with the

was a Brooks, getting

later, it's time for Calista's

had been on her best

making preparations for her banquet. With Baron holding down the fort at the estate, no one dared to make trouble; everyone behaved perfectly. The banquet, held at the Brooks estate,

had invited a bevy of

had been making frequent appearances

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

set for

estate was

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

another figure jumped in through

around with a smile, "Mr. Wolf,

the smile, "When Vivienne calls, how can

Scott's room, "Thomas and Matthew are keeping Scott occupied; they won't be back up here for half

let's split up and

conversation, they began a thorough search

here before. She had found a

brought Percival along for a

this would be her