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 kind

just how Vivienne was unable to ignore those

though this incident was somewhat related to her, she was not responsible for

Kala, but she would never blame herself

Vivienne, unsure

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

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

an eyebrow, genuinely

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

"Do you

he glanced over at

was not that they blamed Vivienne; it was just

was coming to

all, the old lady had ten lives on her conscience, and she could not escape death in

Percival had done merely

on Scott, who remained silent with a

not say more and took the seat

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

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

Kala nodded. "Alright."

an apology and provide compensation for the victims' families. On top of that, we need to push forward new projects. We're venturing

Scott would be the one to turn things around, not

seemed under the thumb of Richard and was frequently in the sanatorium,

with new projects and had even managed to recruit Griffin, which was quite unexpected. Griffin, from the ancient

tired and need to rest," Baron said, heading