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

to ignore those who were

somewhat related to her, she was not responsible for the

would never blame herself for

Vivienne, unsure of what to

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

Richard and I have been investigating it in the shadows for years. If we had discovered the truth sooner, perhaps

raised an eyebrow, genuinely

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

glared at her. "Do

he glanced over at Timothy and

was not that they blamed Vivienne; it was just hard to accept

Timothy was coming to terms with

on her conscience, and she could

Percival had done

Scott, who remained

did not say more and took the seat next

fee, it's up to you whether you want

had come into so much money. After all, Karen's daughter could not be doing too badly, especially with that black card filled with funds, and with the backing of

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. Everyone needs to play their part so the Brooks family can recover

Scott would be the one

under the thumb of Richard and was frequently in

now, 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 deal

I'm tired and need to rest," Baron said,