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

now. If he lived, it spelled doom

Hailey, "Dear aunt, some folks just can't seem to live a peaceful life. Usually means they

fuming but Vivienne had already driven

Sasha entered the house, serene. This was

in the cold were Alyssa and Brianna, unsettled

urgently to Alyssa, "What's going on? You said Winston wouldn't last much longer in the hospital,

Brianna panicked.

dragged into

truth came out, she'd

the fall for this, "So what do we do now? We need to sort this out before granddad finds out. If Winston wakes up, we won't be able to talk our way out of this..." Feeling uncertain, Alyssa knew Vivienne's capabilities. Despite Winston's grave

have some miracle

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

to the hospital, Alyssa called Robbie, "Brother, Winston's

Robbie replied,

in Alyssa's eyes,

a simple shopping trip that

expense, claiming, "It's

out risqué lingerie was definitely a

Draven's call gave her an escape, "Ma'am, the switch at

close

If you have things to do, we can stop here. Anything else you need, we can get

"It's okay, let's

her car, Vivienne

Percival called, briefing her on the situation and coordinating their