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

just how Vivienne was unable to ignore those who

somewhat related to her, she

she would

Vivienne, unsure of what

had come back, she had been 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

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. If we had discovered the truth sooner, perhaps the Brooks family wouldn't

an

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 are

glared at her. "Do you

that, he glanced over at Timothy and the

not that they blamed Vivienne; it was

Timothy was coming

lives on her

Percival had done merely brought everything to

gaze then fell on Scott, who remained silent with a

say more and took

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

Karen's daughter could not be doing too badly, especially with that black

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 of that,

assumed Scott would be the one to turn things around,

of Richard and was frequently in the sanatorium, had

Griffin, which was quite unexpected. Griffin, from the ancient warrior lineage? Were the Rivenwood families not reluctant to deal with those

need to rest,"