The Million-Dollar Heart

Everyone looked up as Vivienne walked in, her pace slow and measured. Clad in a plain tee and jeans, the simplicity of her attire was offset by the icy expression that seemed permanently etched onto her

delicate features.

Kala watched her, emotions churning within her.

After a moment, she spoke up, "No need. I'll handle it myself."

She was at a loss for how to treat Vivienne now.

After all, it was not Vivienne who had affected her work, but there was an undeniable discomfort whenever she saw Vivienne.

Did she blame Vivienne?

No.

After all, her grandmother had genuinely committed murder, and not just once, but tenfold.

For twenty years, the families of the victims had been deprived of the truth.

Her grandmother's fate was deserved.

She just could not face Vivienne.

It seemed ever since Vivienne's return, everyone she was close to had changed.

Vivienne approached her, her face serious. "Judith's death was a consequence of her actions. If she hadn't resisted arrest, she wouldn't have been shot in front of you. And the media exposure you faced wasn't my doing. I covered your penalty fees as a gesture of goodwill. You were the only one who treated me with genuine kindness after I joined the Brooks family."

When the Brooks first took her in, everyone had been considerate, but there was always an ulterior motive.

been genuinely kind

how Vivienne was unable to

incident was somewhat related to her,

Kala, but she would

unsure of

using two where one would suffice. But today, she had spoken at length. Without another word, Vivienne walked over to Baron and stated flatly, "Baron, I'm here to pack up. I won't be staying at the Brooks household any longer." Baron scoffed, "What, you

Richard and I have been investigating it in the shadows for years. If we had discovered the truth sooner, perhaps the

raised an

"We're discussing the future of the Brooks family. You should listen in. You're nearly twenty. It's time you learned about the company." Vivienne smirked, "I don't mind where I stay as long as you all are willing to have

glared at her. "Do you think

over at Timothy

wore embarrassed expressions. It was not that they blamed Vivienne; it

now, Timothy was coming to terms with

all, the old lady had ten lives on her conscience, and she

had done merely

who remained silent with a stern

say more and took the seat

now that Vivienne has paid the penalty fee, it's up to you whether you

could not be doing too badly, especially with that black card filled with funds, and with the backing of the Ellington family, a penalty fee was nothing

Kala nodded. "Alright."

on to delegate tasks and finally got to the crux of the matter. "Since Judith was one of our own and made a mistake, we can't shirk responsibility. I'll issue an apology and provide compensation for the victims' families. On top of that, we need to push forward new projects. We're venturing into robotics, and Griffin will join our team. Everyone needs to play their

assumed Scott would be the

was frequently

had even managed to recruit Griffin, which was quite unexpected. Griffin, from

need to rest," Baron said, heading