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

to ignore those who were sincerely kind

was somewhat related to her, she

assist Kala, but she would never blame herself

unsure

word, Vivienne walked over to Baron and stated flatly, "Baron, I'm here to pack up. I

sighed, his tone softening, "This isn't on 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.

an eyebrow, genuinely

don't worry about 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 don't mind where I stay as long as you all

"Do you

glanced over at Timothy and

blamed Vivienne; it was

coming to terms

had ten lives on her conscience, and she could not escape death in the

Percival had done merely brought everything

who remained

more and took the seat next to

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

money. After all, Karen's daughter could not be doing too badly, especially with that black card filled with funds, and with

Kala nodded. "Alright."

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

had assumed Scott would be the one to turn things

seemed under the thumb of Richard and was frequently in the sanatorium,

Griffin, which was quite unexpected. Griffin, from the ancient warrior lineage? Were

all. I'm tired and need to rest,"