The Million-Dollar Heart

When Alyssa saw her, it was like spotting a lifeline in the midst of a storm.

Falling to her knees at Hailey's feet, she burst into tears.

"Please, Aunt Hailey, you have to help us. Winston was granddad's pride and joy, and now he's in the hospital fighting for his life. They're refusing to take responsibility, and I just didn't know where else to turn..."

Through her sobs, Alyssa laid it all out-the car accident, Winston's critical condition.

And she didn't hesitate to lay the blame squarely at Vivienne's feet.

Hailey's gaze turned icy as she looked towards Vivienne, then back to Alyssa, "The Linklaters always face up to their problems. If your brother's in trouble because of Vivienne, you can bet we won't stand by." Brianna breathed a sigh of relief, throwing a smug look at Vivienne, "Finally, someone from the Wright family makes sense."

Arthur's face darkened, ready to explode, but then Vivienne spoke up, "Dad, let's not waste our breath. If we need to sue, we'll sue. If we need to report this, we'll report it."

Arthur blinked in surprise, "Vivienne, what did you call me?"

After a moment's eye contact, she repeated, "Dad, your hearing's just fine."

Arthur couldn't help but grin, quickly stepping aside to make some calls.

He wanted everyone to know his daughter had finally called him 'Dad'.

But, another lawsuit?

Seems like just yesterday Vivienne had taken the Abernathy family to court, and both they and the Grimshaws had fallen from grace.

Was his daughter plotting another big move?

Vivienne: ...Not this time.

Then, locking eyes with Sasha, Vivienne spoke calmly, "Mom, didn't the hospital say Winston's condition was improving? Maybe we should pay him a visit, just in case he wakes up. It'd be good to have a police report."

exchanged a

Winston couldn't survive.

cherished by Hunter, had no place

he lived,

just can't seem to

fuming but Vivienne

Sasha entered the house,

in the cold were Alyssa and Brianna, unsettled

much longer in the hospital, and

Brianna panicked.

dragged into this

came out, she'd be dragged

take the fall for this, "So what do we do now? We need to sort this out before granddad finds out. If Winston wakes

she didn't have some miracle drug

eye on granddad's news. I'll check the hospital myself." Brianna nodded vigorously, "Okay,

called Robbie, "Brother, Winston's showing signs

silence, Robbie replied, "Remember that medicine

dark understanding flashed in Alyssa's eyes,

simple shopping trip that turned into

Cecilia spared no expense, claiming, "It's for the newlyweds.

out risqué lingerie was definitely a first

her an escape, "Ma'am, the switch at the hospital is done

a close

spree, looking concerned, "Vivienne, did I hold you up? If you have things to do, we can stop here.

forced a smile, "It's okay, let's

to her car, Vivienne drove towards

called, briefing her on the situation and coordinating