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.

by Hunter, had no place

lived, it spelled

parting shot at Hailey, "Dear aunt, some folks just can't seem to live a peaceful life. Usually means they won't be living

Vivienne

Sasha entered the house, serene. This was

the cold were Alyssa and

much longer in the hospital, and now he's waking up?" Alyssa frowned, "I overheard his doctor.

Brianna panicked.

into this

truth came out, she'd be dragged

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

say she didn't have some

go back, "You keep an eye on granddad's news. I'll check

Alyssa called Robbie, "Brother,

brief silence, Robbie replied, "Remember

understanding flashed in

Cecilia, planning a simple shopping trip that turned into an

"It's for the newlyweds. Got to keep things exciting." Vivienne

lingerie was definitely a first for

an escape, "Ma'am, the

close

hold you up? If you have

smile, "It's okay, let's call it a

her car, Vivienne drove towards the

called, briefing her on the situation and coordinating their next