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.

wicked sense of humor or

a sigh, "I was

few seconds before Kala spoke up, "Do you even

sighed. "Am I that

"What do you think?"

each one heralded some impending issue. Her claim to just be visiting, especially with an android in tow, was met with disbelief. Vivienne pressed her lips together, clearly not expecting to

her words, the siblings tensed

Ronald and

stood abruptly, his face a

were both surprised. "Who's

He had never told his family about Lauren. Thus, he

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

by the prospect

at noon at the café," Vivienne said, trying to maintain patience. "She didn't say why. Just ask her

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

to

slightly, "You'll find out when you get

scanning the surroundings before getting into a car

confusion. "Aren't we going for

gotten wind of my mom being

them? Well, let's skip that. What are you in the mood for? I'll

weren't for those guys yesterday, he would have been so close to taking a bath with Vivienne! They thought they could call Vivienne back to question her?

was interrupted by a phone call. Vivienne frowned at

through, "Vivienne, I'm warning you,