The Million-Dollar Heart

Kala felt a ripple of anxiety; she certainly did not want the Brooks family to become tabloid fodder again.

It was not about her rising career but the desire to preserve the harmonious unity of the Brooks family from fragmenting into scandal.

Vivienne's gaze dropped slightly before she spoke softly, "There's a bit of an issue."

Kala's heart clenched with worry. "Vivienne, please tell me it's not something to do with Dad..."

Her words stumbled out of her, knotted with nerves.

No, it could not be!

Her father was the epitome of kindness, incapable of harming a soul.

Though she tried to reassure herself, Kala's palms were drenched with sweat from her mounting tension.

"Let's discuss it when he gets back," Vivienne said as she sat down and pulled out her phone to call Timothy, telling him to return home.

Meanwhile, with Cheryl's support, Baron made his way out of his room.

Kala rushed to help Baron down the stairs, her mind racing with apprehension.

She had no clue what would unfold next.

But she was certain that whatever was about to happen would once again turn the Brooks family upside down.

"Vivienne, what's on your mind?" Baron asked, his aged eyes betraying a hint of guilt.

Vivienne smiled faintly. "Let's wait until everyone's here."

Baron did not press further, but his grip on his cane tightened, his hand slick with anxious perspiration.

Soon, Timothy and Ronald returned, and alongside them walked Ashley with her brother Darren and Melissa in tow.

With the Brooks family gathered, silence fell, all eyes on Vivienne and Percival.

glancing at Leopold, seeking clues as to what was

he was clueless about the announcement Vivienne was about to

family's all here. Whatever

fixing her gaze on Percival, her clear eyes shimmering with feigned confusion. "Mr. Wolf, am I bad at counting? It seems like not

her expression, playfully pinching her

all quite busy, and frankly, we don't have time to watch you two

Vivienne's relationship had never been overly warm, but certainly

Vivienne's return, she had not caused any trouble for Ashley, allowing a peaceful coexistence. But ever since Vivienne aired some

seemed to look down on them

to Baron,

lifted a finger, pointing towards the wardrobe behind Baron, "Why do I

straightened up instantly, cold sweat breaking out despite

his voice, "That's just a

ridiculous. "Can you stop with the theatrics? If

pulled his sister back,

to defuse the tension, "Ashley's just suggesting the liquor cabinet can't be

ignored the comments and simply looked

approached the cabinet,

"Rivenwood suburb apartment 36, South Ridge Community villa 5, East County Villa 17, Sovereign Community 19-3... Timothy,

question took Timothy

had no knowledge of

at Ronald, who also

resides in the Brooks Mansion. Even if we own other properties, they're usually nearby. The houses you mentioned are unfamiliar to us." Percival smiled. "Of course, you wouldn't

revealing

were stunned. Behind the cabinet was a

crowded around except for Baron, who

a dismantled plank, Leopold said, "Vivienne, what

as she fixed her gaze on Baron and said to

could that

did not recall having anything

pocket, he found a brand-new

Typical Vivienne, always prepared.

grenade in his hand and tossed