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.

had been

was just how Vivienne was unable to ignore

related to her, she was not

but she would never blame herself

Vivienne, unsure of

few words, never 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 think you can

you. Even if it weren't you and Percival, I wouldn't have spared her. This case... Richard and I have been investigating it in the shadows for years. If we had discovered the truth sooner, perhaps the Brooks family wouldn't

an eyebrow,

with finality. "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

glared at her. "Do you think I

that, he glanced over at

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

now, Timothy was coming to

lady had ten lives on her conscience, and

had done merely brought everything to

fell on Scott, who remained silent

say more and took the seat next to

has paid the penalty fee, it's up to you whether you want to stay in show

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 to

Kala nodded. "Alright."

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

She had assumed Scott would be the one to turn

and was frequently in the sanatorium, had appeared

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

I'm tired and need to rest," Baron said,