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

somewhat related to

could assist Kala, but she would never blame herself for what

at Vivienne, unsure of what

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

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

an

You're nearly twenty. It's time you learned

her. "Do you think I raised

over at

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

was coming to terms with

old lady had ten lives on her conscience,

had done

on Scott, who remained silent with a stern

did not say more and took the seat next

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

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

Kala nodded. "Alright."

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

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

Richard and was frequently in the sanatorium, had appeared less capable

even managed to recruit Griffin, which was quite unexpected. Griffin, from the

and need to rest," Baron