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.

Leopold, seeking clues as to what was

simply shrugged; he was clueless about the announcement Vivienne was about to make. After all, he was just the

"Vivienne, the family's all here. Whatever you need

room, finally fixing her gaze on Percival, her clear eyes shimmering with feigned confusion. "Mr. Wolf, am I bad at

could not help but chuckle at her expression, playfully pinching her cheek.

busy, and frankly, we don't have time to watch

been overly warm, but certainly not as strained as

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

down on them as if she considered herself better

her gaze to

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

instantly, cold sweat

pushed down the fear in his voice, "That's just a

was being ridiculous. "Can you stop with the theatrics? If there's something to say, why can't

his sister back, worried

with a nervous chuckle, trying to defuse the tension, "Ashley's just suggesting the liquor cabinet can't be hiding someone, that's

and simply

approached the

tone detached, "Rivenwood suburb apartment 36, South Ridge Community villa 5, East County Villa 17, Sovereign Community 19-3... Timothy, do any of these addresses ring

direct question took

knowledge of these

at Ronald, who also shook his head in

own other properties, they're usually nearby. The houses you mentioned are unfamiliar to us." Percival

the liquor cabinet as they spoke, revealing a

cabinet was a solid wall; how could there be

around except for Baron, who remained as still as

dismantled plank, Leopold said, "Vivienne,

on Baron and said to Leopold, "You have something quite interesting in your pocket."

could

recall having anything

his pocket, he

Typical Vivienne, always prepared.

his hand and tossed it