The Million-Dollar Heart

Night fell over the Brooks household.

Kala and Darren ambled into their home, exhausted from an evening event, too tired to even think about removing their makeup.

Ronald was lounging in the living room; upon seeing them, he greeted them with a grin. "You guys are back. There's some goodies in the kitchen." Kala stretched languidly, about to respond, when a knock came at the door. "Who could that be at this hour?"

The door swung open to reveal a familiar figure, and Kala paused, blinking in disbelief.

Rubbing her eyes and looking again, she exclaimed, "Vivienne?"

She was utterly baffled!

Ever since the Brooks family had been rocked by the scandal involving Scott and Judith, Vivienne had become a stranger to their home.

Although Kala and Vivienne occasionally crossed paths, those instances were few and far between.

Vivienne was always so busy, hardly ever seen.

Kala recalled that the last time they had met was six months ago, a brief encounter en route to the office, nothing more than a hurried greeting before going separate ways. But now, an uneasy premonition nagged at her - what could Vivienne's unexpected visit signify?

Since their grandmother's passing, Vivienne had moved out of the Brooks residence, and her last visit had been to confront Scott.

Without any apparent reason, Vivienne's sudden arrival couldn't help but stir fears of impending bad news.

Please, no more shocks - her fragile heart couldn't take it!

Ronald, equally surprised by the late visit, managed to say, "Vivienne, what brings you here all of a sudden? Is there something wrong?"

him, a slight smile gracing her lips.

be?" Ronald was quick to usher her inside, chuckling. "We're delighted to have you; of course, you're welcome! Please, have a

couch, turning to

smiling face, which didn't seem to portend trouble, Kala felt a weight lift from

Vivienne, saying cheerfully, "I've been great, actually. Just snagged an award for Best Actress, and in a few days, I'm off to shoot a movie directed by a renowned filmmaker. It's a

nodded. "Sounds fantastic! Keep

How have things been for you? I saw on your Facebook yesterday that you and Mr. Ellington got

a man who had helped her, swearing she would

her. To Kala, the man who had helped her was no more than a shadow. Until she had learned it was Percival, she didn't even know what he looked like. Had he

casually until Vivienne turned to Ronald, her tone shifting. "I came

blinked in surprise. "What happened

she had been out of the

couldn't go fetch him myself. I was worried when I heard the sanatorium was torched!" Before Vivienne

laughter faltered as his

flickered over his hand, the smile

Ronald chuckled awkwardly. "Vivienne, why are you

Vivienne said, "I'm curious to see the expression of a man who's personally responsible for

do you mean by

a beat. "Vivienne, are you suggesting

was

their grandmother and uncle, she could understand Ronald not showing much grief- after all, their blood ties were somewhat distant. But Carl was

hopeful eyes, waiting for her to