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

Winston couldn't survive.

cherished by Hunter, had no place in the

he lived, it spelled doom for

a parting shot at Hailey, "Dear aunt, some folks just can't

Vivienne had already driven

the house, serene.

cold were Alyssa and Brianna,

crowd dispersing, Brianna whispered urgently to Alyssa, "What's going on? You said Winston wouldn't last much longer in the hospital, and now he's waking up?"

Brianna panicked.

dragged into this mess

truth came out, she'd

If Winston wakes up, we won't be able to talk our way out of this..." Feeling uncertain, Alyssa knew Vivienne's

some miracle

Alyssa 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 let you know the moment I hear

her way to the hospital, Alyssa called Robbie, "Brother, Winston's showing signs of waking. What

silence, Robbie replied, "Remember that medicine I gave

understanding flashed in Alyssa's

simple shopping trip that turned into

expense, claiming, "It's for the

risqué lingerie was definitely a first for

her an escape, "Ma'am, the

close

up? If you have things to do, we can

"It's okay, let's call it

Cecilia to her car, Vivienne drove

briefing her on the