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.

Kala had been genuinely kind to

unable to

somewhat related to her, she was not responsible

could assist Kala, but she would never blame herself for what

stared at Vivienne, unsure of

been a woman 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 just bail when the going gets tough?

I have been investigating

an

should listen in. You're nearly twenty. It's time you learned

at her. "Do you think

glanced over at Timothy and

embarrassed expressions. It was not that they blamed Vivienne; it was just hard to accept what had happened right before

now, Timothy was coming to

old lady had ten lives on her conscience, and

Vivienne and Percival had done merely brought everything

Scott, who remained silent with

did not say more and

penalty fee, it's up to you whether you want to

Karen's daughter 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

Kala nodded. "Alright."

and made a mistake, we can't shirk responsibility. I'll issue an apology and provide compensation for the victims' families. On

would be the one to turn things around, not

seemed under the thumb of Richard and was frequently

with new projects and had even managed to recruit Griffin, which was quite unexpected. Griffin, from the ancient warrior lineage? Were the Rivenwood families not reluctant to deal with

all. I'm tired and need to