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."

Brianna exchanged a worried

Winston couldn't survive.

grandchild, cherished by Hunter, had no

now. If he lived, it

some folks just can't seem to live a peaceful life. Usually means they won't be

fuming but Vivienne had already driven

the house, serene. This

in the cold were Alyssa and Brianna, unsettled by

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

Brianna panicked.

into

came out,

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 injuries,

didn't have some miracle drug to keep

granddad's news. I'll check the hospital myself." Brianna nodded

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

a brief silence, Robbie replied,

dark understanding flashed in Alyssa's eyes,

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

"It's for

risqué lingerie was definitely a first

escape, "Ma'am, the switch

a close eye

Cecilia paused in her shopping spree, looking concerned, "Vivienne, did I hold you up? If you have things to do, we can stop here. Anything

smile, "It's okay,

her car, Vivienne drove

the way, Percival called, briefing her on the