The Million-Dollar Heart

Ronald had just tackled a thorny issue at work when he arrived home. Pushing open the front door, he barely managed to call out for Kala when he noticed several people sitting in his living room. His heart skipped a beat. "Vivienne, Mr. Ellington, what brings you here? Is there some news about Kala?"

As his brain caught up, he exhaled in relief.

Carrying his briefcase over, Kala handed him a glass of water while Carl, who had finally gotten a chance to come home, had pushed aside a piping hot breakfast for the gathering.

Vivienne observed everything with a knowing look. She realized Ronald must have already filled Carl in.

The remaining three Brooks siblings were now, at least, living together harmoniously.

"I just came to check in, no big deal," she said, tapping the armrest of the sofa and tilting her chin towards the android in the corner.

Almost immediately, Ronald's relaxed demeanor shifted, "Vivienne, believe me, I've destroyed all those things. Not one left!"

At this point, Kala also spoke in defense of Ronald, "Vivienne, is there some kind of misunderstanding?"

Kala had been asking this since Thomas came in carrying that thing, but Vivienne had refused to explain until Ronald returned, and Kala was left with no choice but to wait.

Seeing Ronald's anxious expression, Carl commented dryly, "Vivienne, I admit my brother was a jerk before. But he had his reasons, and look at him now, fighting so hard to live. That thing over there, it can't be his doing."

There was an unexpected unity among them.

Vivienne raised an eyebrow, innocently spreading her hands, "Who said it was his doing? Why the panic?"

The Brooks trio exchanged looks, their expressions screaming that they were expecting some sort of interrogation.

Percival watched with an amused grin as Vivienne teased the Brooks siblings, his eyes filled with indulgence.

calling out Vivienne's wicked sense of humor or laughing at the Brooks siblings' baffled

said with a sigh, "I was just bored and thought

Kala were silent for a few seconds before Kala spoke up,

sighed. "Am I

"What do you think?"

Brooks family's crisis, Vivienne's visits had been rare, and each one heralded some impending issue. Her claim to just be visiting, especially with an

the siblings tensed up

Ronald and said,

stood abruptly, his face a mix of shock and

and Kala were both surprised. "Who's Lauren?"

of redness appeared on Ronald's face at their question. He had never told his family about Lauren.

"Vivienne, does Lauren really want to see me? When and where? Is it just to meet,

was clearly overwhelmed by the prospect of

Vivienne said, trying to maintain patience. "She didn't say

bit his lip, then looked up determinedly, "Why wouldn't

trying to distance

gaze darkened slightly, "You'll find

scanning the surroundings before getting into

confusion. "Aren't we

"Vance Edwards has gotten wind of my mom being targeted. They want a word with me, so

calls yesterday were from them? Well, let's skip that. What are you in the

close to taking a bath with Vivienne! They thought they could

phone call. Vivienne frowned at the unknown

you, hand