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.

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

Something felt off.

there was hardly any resemblance between her, Karen, and him, except for her eyes, which bore a slight

that

acts committed by a high school girl could be

a noble and kind woman. It was

paternity tests, suspecting that Beatrice

the results disappointed him. Arabella was indeed

confirmed she’s a Brooks, we can’t let the rumors continue.

school was already abuzz with the

after this incident, she believed Arabella’s image in the eyes of the Brooks had significantly

this, she couldn’t help

Judith suggested with a sigh. “Since he was the one who took the child away, we have to

daughter in such a manner. Even if he didn’t raise

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

Arabella, let her stay in Havenwood for now,” Judith decided. “She wanted to return there for her college entrance exam. By the time she’s done, the scandal here will have died

warned Scott. “Tell Tristan to keep a close

you sure Tristan will keep

laughed, but her eyes showed

always looking down

Arabella returned, he followed her around like a puppy, claiming he owed her a debt and was willing

into trouble several times while

After considering Ashley’s comment, she

take care of it.” Scott said, massaging his forehead

let your father hear about this.” Judith sternly instructed. “He’s been having some heart troubles, and the last thing he needs

integrity, valued the Brooks family’s reputation above all else. Arabella’s antics were enough to make the Brooks the

likely he would need to extend his

“Understood.”

agreement, though she doubted they could keep