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.

were torn between calling out Vivienne's wicked sense of humor or laughing

a sigh, "I was

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

"Am

"What do you think?"

visiting, especially with an android in tow, was met with disbelief.

words, the siblings tensed up

looked at Ronald and said, "Lauren

his face a mix of

were both surprised. "Who's Lauren?" they

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

turned to Vivienne. "Vivienne, does Lauren really want to see me? When and where? Is it just to meet, or is something wrong? Should

clearly overwhelmed by the prospect of seeing

said, trying to

lip, then looked up determinedly, "Why wouldn't she

she trying to distance herself from

gaze darkened slightly, "You'll find out when

as Vivienne left the Brooks house, nonchalantly scanning the surroundings before getting into a car with Percival. "To

echoed in confusion.

wind of my mom being targeted. They want a word

were from them? Well, let's skip that. What are

to taking a bath

call.

I'm warning you, hand over the secret formula, or Kaitlyn