The Million-Dollar Heart

Scott's normally stern face took on an even more sinister cast as he glared at Vivienne.

"When did you figure it out?" he asked, his voice deep and heavy with accusation.

He had always suspected that Vivienne would uncover his true identity, but he had not anticipated her discovery would come so swiftly.

Perhaps it was not today. Maybe she had known for quite some time, watching him like a court jester, smiling sweetly as he played his part, likely mocking him silently all the while. "Let me think..." Vivienne propped her chin in her hand, feigning deep recollection. "I'd say it was around the time Rowan and Ismene disguised themselves as my foster parents." Scott felt his heart tighten, realizing she had known for longer than he thought.

Clearly, he had underestimated Vivienne.

Like mother, like daughter.

As the saying goes, a viper never gives birth to a dove.

"So, you didn't come back to the Brooks family to find your biological father but to avenge your mother?" Scott's voice was a low growl.

Vivienne's lips curved slightly, but she remained silent.

Scott paused for a moment, then spoke again. "Since you know everything, you must also understand that I didn't kill your mother."

He had fallen for Karen at first sight, a love so sudden and all-consuming.

But he knew they would never have a future together.

When he discovered Karen was 'Lark', he knew his feelings would dissipate like mist. Because he was Scott, the high-ranking agent of GTO, the only person apart from the boss who knew the true face of Mr. B.

GTO was his allegiance, and Lark was its arch-nemesis.

For three years, he and Karen explored every nook of Rivenwood's flower fields, witnessing the world's most beautiful vistas together.

they would be forever, just like an everlasting

her intentions were as impure

to use Paula as a pawn to kill

tore him apart. Because it

his shock,

vanished, she used his identity to eliminate

realized that Karen had recognized him all along. She had stayed silent, biding her time until she could expose his undercover agents, and then

not tell

he would never

Scott was absolutely certain she was

was not his child, yet

Karen! Even though they had shared a bed that night, and the sheets bore the signs of a lover's tryst, he knew nothing had actually

so deeply in love with another man and

tests to put to

Vivienne,

Frostfire Intelligence Agency came back

that he had been with

knew someone would always shatter his self-deception.

Vivienne knew precisely what he

and alluring, like a poppy risen from the underworld. "I know you didn't kill my mother. What does it matter? Mr. Brooks, have you never thought

her clear eyes brimming with disdain and mockery, "So, spare me the act of deep

a dagger, piercing

"You didn't come here just to talk about my identity and your mother, did you? Out

you introduce me

Scott rejected the

organization's right hand, the benefactor who had elevated him.

had anticipated