The Million-Dollar Heart

Calista cast a furtive glance toward Vivienne and murmured in a hushed voice, "Mom, please stop talking!"

She looked utterly heartbroken. Already beautiful, her crestfallen expression only amplified her appeal, tugging at the heartstrings of anyone who saw her.

Mila only had this one precious daughter, and seeing her suffer such indignity was more than she could bear. Her voice rose in volume, "Why shouldn't I speak? I'm going to!"

She marched up to Vivienne, her anger palpable. "Vivienne, you've had it in for Calista from the start. Nothing she does pleases you, but she risked herself to save you today! Your attitude is utterly disgraceful!

Vivienne raised her eyebrows slightly, her expression cool and detached, "And? Should I kneel and bow my head to her in gratitude?"

Mila was taken aback. "When did I ever ask you to kneel to her? Don't twist my words. I'm saying, at the very least, you should say thank you."

Judith, who had been silent up to this point, interjected with a disapproving tone, "Vivienne, your behavior is indeed deplorable. No matter what, Calista is your sister. Whatever grudges you had should be in the past. Today, she saved you because, despite everything, you share the same father. You don't have to shower her with thanks, but a simple thank you is basic courtesy."

Her gaze darkened as she continued, "Or has your mother never taught you any manners?"

Suddenly!

Vivienne's eyes darkened, her presence turning icy. Beneath her haute couture gown, she stood regal as a queen bathed in sunlight, her radiance momentarily blinding.

She glanced at Judith with a chilling gaze, her voice flat as she said, "My mother is dead. You could try asking her in the afterlife how she raised me."

Judith's face soured instantly. "What kind of talk is that? As your grandmother, am I not allowed to speak for your own good? I remember your mother as a gracious and considerate woman, well-liked by the Brooks family. How is it that you're so rude? You would do well to learn some life lessons from your mother."

"Haha!" Vivienne laughed, dazzling yet like a poisonous flower capable of ensnaring one with a glance.

She looked up at Judith, her voice icy. "When Paula managed to steal Scott's sperm, Judith, you played no small part. A person with a venomous heart, living a life of pretense, you dare teach me?" Judith's face turned stormy with anger, "What nonsense are you spouting? Is this how a younger person speaks to an elder?"

"I wasn't aware there was an issue with Vivienne's manners," Percival interjected casually, hands in pockets, casting a cool glance at Judith. "Perhaps you'd care to enlighten us?"

The mere Brooks family!

presence. Had it not been for Vivienne's preference to handle her

leave the Brooks family alone until that

not to let well enough alone, he

they really under the impression that he was

now, her words losing restraint. "Ever since she returned to the Brooks family, she's been nothing but cold to us. Anything we do is wrong in her eyes, and she never shows

siblings took her to the gemstone market, she had Eddy broadcast something most uncouth, landing him in jail time and time again. We treated her adoptive parents with hospitality, but

we haven't been overly kind to Calista. Yet today, despite past grievances, Calista injured her hand to

even speak? Why can't I say you should learn from your mother? Vivienne, you simply do not measure up to

unsettled scores. Thomas, bring over a couple of chairs. Vivienne and I will sit down and settle each

a cold look at Judith and

daughter. Percival crossed his legs, his long

"I'm not great with numbers, Mr.

"Very well."

the

a time when he would address the Brooks

were no longer

of unease

Percival could utter a word, she jumped in, "What are you trying

the International Math Olympiad when

tone belied an unsettling chill that seemed to permeate the

"If my memory serves me right, whether it be Scott, you, Judith, or the entire Brooks family, you've all said my teacher was your favorite lady, the perfect match for