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?"

looked up at him, a slight smile

to usher her inside, chuckling. "We're delighted to have you; of course, you're welcome! Please, have

onto the couch, turning to Kala.

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

the fridge for Vivienne, saying cheerfully, "I've been great, actually. Just snagged an award for Best Actress, and in a

nodded. "Sounds fantastic! Keep

How have things been for you? I saw on

feelings for a man who had helped her, swearing she would marry him. But recently,

a shadow. Until she had learned it was Percival, she didn't even know what he looked like. Had

tone shifting. "I

surprise.

work, she had been out of the loop with

That's wonderful!" Ronald sighed with relief. "I've been tied up with the bionic robot project and couldn't go fetch him myself. I was worried

his fingers twitched

his

Ronald chuckled awkwardly. "Vivienne, why are you looking

upturn of her lips, her voice cool and steady, Vivienne said, "I'm curious to see the expression of a man who's personally responsible for his own

face stiffened. "What do you mean

a beat. "Vivienne, are you

Carl was Ronald's

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

looked at Vivienne with hopeful eyes,