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

unable to ignore those who were

to her, she

could assist Kala, but she would never blame

stared at Vivienne, unsure of what

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

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. If we had discovered the truth

an

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

her. "Do

glanced over

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

Timothy was coming to terms with

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

and Percival had done

on Scott, who remained silent with a stern

not say more and took the seat

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

badly, especially with that black card filled with funds, and with the

Kala nodded. "Alright."

"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, we need to push forward new projects. We're venturing into robotics, and Griffin will join our team. Everyone needs to play their part so the Brooks family can recover our losses as swiftly

was intrigued. She had assumed Scott would be the one to turn

who often seemed under the thumb of Richard and was

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

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