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.

was the most unique woman he

heavens

Vivienne was even more astonishing than

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,

a

nearly out of her skin with fright at the explosion. Learning that it was Vivienne's disciples coming for revenge had her

rage and refused to acknowledge her engagement to Percival. She was so angry that

did Vivienne get to be so

for her, and even Baron seemed to

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

didn't agree with the engagement,

and everyone knew she was a

later, it's time for

her best behavior these last few

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

had invited a bevy of A-list celebrities

making frequent appearances at the

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

was set for

the Brooks estate was abuzz with preparations to welcome

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

figure jumped

around with a smile, "Mr. Wolf, impeccable

the smile, "When Vivienne calls, how can

are keeping Scott occupied; they won't be back up here for half an hour. Can you manage?" "Half an hour is more than enough," Vivienne

split up

began a thorough

a safe but not the item

time she had brought Percival along for

this would be her last search