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

Vivienne was unable to ignore those who were

incident was somewhat related to her, she was not responsible

assist Kala, but she would

Vivienne, unsure

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

weren't you and Percival, I wouldn't have spared her. This case... Richard and I have been

raised an eyebrow, genuinely

Baron said with finality. "We're discussing the future of the Brooks family. You should listen in. You're nearly twenty. It's time

at her. "Do

glanced over at Timothy

they blamed Vivienne; it was just hard to accept what had happened right

now, Timothy was coming

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

and Percival had done merely brought

who remained

did not say more and took the seat next

paid the penalty fee, it's up to you whether you

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 nothing

Kala nodded. "Alright."

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, we need to push forward new projects. We're venturing into robotics, and Griffin will join our team.

would be the one to turn things around,

Richard and was

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

I'm tired and need to rest," Baron