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

just how Vivienne was unable to ignore those who were

somewhat related to her, she

but she would never blame herself for what

unsure of what to

to pack up. I won't be staying at

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

an eyebrow,

anything else," Baron said 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

at her. "Do

that, he glanced over

his peers wore embarrassed expressions. It was not that they blamed Vivienne; it was just hard to accept what had

coming to terms

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

done merely brought everything to

then fell on Scott, who remained silent with

more and took the seat next

paid the penalty fee, it's up to you

how Vivienne had come into so much money. After all, Karen's daughter could not be doing too badly, especially with that black card filled with funds, and with the

Kala nodded. "Alright."

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,

She had assumed Scott would be the

the thumb of Richard and was frequently in the sanatorium, had appeared

Griffin, which was quite unexpected. Griffin, from the ancient warrior lineage? Were the Rivenwood families not reluctant to

tired and need to rest,"