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 to

unable to ignore those who

this incident was somewhat related to her, she was not

Kala, but she would never blame herself

Vivienne, unsure of

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?

her. This case... Richard and I

raised an

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

glared at her. "Do you think

glanced over at Timothy and the

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

coming to terms

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

and Percival had done merely

then fell on Scott, who remained silent with

not say more and took the seat next

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

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

Kala nodded. "Alright."

Baron went 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

had assumed Scott would be the one to turn things

seemed under the thumb of Richard and was frequently in the sanatorium, had appeared less capable

Baron was orchestrating a comeback 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

need to rest," Baron said, heading