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 worried

Winston couldn't survive.

had no place in the

lived, it spelled doom for

folks just can't seem to

but Vivienne had

Sasha entered the house, serene. This was

Alyssa and Brianna,

You said Winston wouldn't last much longer in the hospital, and now he's waking up?" Alyssa frowned, "I overheard his doctor.

Brianna panicked.

just dragged into

came out, she'd be

granddad finds out. If Winston wakes up, we won't be able to talk our way out of this..."

didn't have some miracle drug to keep

a plan, Alyssa instructed Brianna to go back, "You keep an eye on granddad's news. I'll check the hospital myself." Brianna nodded vigorously, "Okay,

hospital, Alyssa called Robbie, "Brother, Winston's showing signs

a brief silence, Robbie replied, "Remember that

dark understanding flashed in Alyssa's eyes,

was with Cecilia, planning a simple shopping trip that turned into

lingerie, Cecilia spared no expense, claiming, "It's for

out risqué lingerie was

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

close

you up? If you have things to do, we can stop here. Anything else you

"It's okay, let's call it

car, Vivienne drove towards

called, briefing her on the situation and coordinating