The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 159

Ashley zipped her lips this time, her objective having been accomplished. With each word she had uttered, the countenance of the Brooks family members had darkened bit by bit.

They had already considered the possibility that Arabella was after their fortune.

“When we sent out invitations announcing the wedding of Scott, the news of his wife, Karen’s departure a day before the wedding. left us flabbergasted.” Timothy complained bitterly. “Our family became the laughing stock of all Rivenwood. It seems like mother like daughter.”

“Dad.” Timothy’s son Ronald interjected, eyeing Scott’s expression and halting his father from further comments.

Scott, with his hand supporting his temple, seemed to be lost in memories.

When Karen disappeared just before their wedding, all the Brooks were convinced she had betrayed him. However, he had always felt that wasn’t the case.

He knew that when he rescued the severely injured Karen, her background was more impressive than he could have ever guessed. Even the Brooks‘ resources couldn’t unearth her past.

Being the eldest son of the Brooks family, he was well–versed in the ways of the world. He knew not to involve himself with dangerous individuals.

Yet he fell in love with Karen. Despite her reluctance to discuss her past and the secrets she kept from him, he proposed to her.

And she left him without a word.

Why?

They loved each other so much. She was even pregnant with his child.

Over the years, he never gave up searching for Karen. When the news of Arabella’s existence reached him, he found out that Karen had been dead for many years.

That day, he felt his heart shatter. Amid his grief, he was grateful that Karen left him their child.

He swore to treat their daughter well, to give her the best of everything, and to make her a princess to compensate for the nineteen years they lost.

he met Arabella for the first time, he felt distant, even when she obediently called

Something felt off.

and him, except for her

about Arabella’s scandals in Havenwood, he realized that she

news of the shameful acts committed by a high school girl could be his

a noble and kind woman. It was impossible for her to raise

ordered another round of paternity tests,

disappointed him.

cut in, halting their argument. “Since we’ve confirmed she’s a Brooks, we can’t let the rumors

If her high school was already abuzz with the news, how could they

the eyes of the Brooks had significantly deteriorated. When Arabella returned from Havenwood, she wouldn’t

she couldn’t

Finnian.” Judith suggested with a sigh. “Since he was the one who took the child

that Arabella was a Brooks. Given Finnian’s character, he wouldn’t raise Karen’s daughter in such a

Judith didn’t mention it, he would find Finnian to discover the truth about Karen’s death. If she was murdered, he would avenge her.

decided. “She wanted to return there

Tristan to keep a close eye on her.

burst out laughing. “Grandma, are you sure Tristan will keep an eye on

laughed, but her eyes

a mad dog, always looking down on them, the pampered children of the Brooks

around like a puppy, claiming he owed her a debt and was willing to go through hell

even got Ashley into trouble several times while helping

Ashley’s comment, she turned to Scott, saying, “Maybe we should send someone to keep

of it.” Scott said, massaging his

sternly instructed. “He’s been having some heart troubles, and the last thing he

above all else. Arabella’s antics were enough

out, it was likely he would need to extend his stay at

“Understood.”

were no objections from the Brooks family; even Ashley nodded in agreement, though