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.

the first time, he felt distant, even when she obediently

Something felt off.

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

after hearing about Arabella’s scandals in Havenwood, he realized that she had ruined her reputation there before seeking refuge

news of the shameful acts committed by a high

and kind woman. It was impossible for

round of paternity tests,

the results disappointed him. Arabella was indeed

argument. “Since we’ve confirmed she’s a Brooks, we can’t let the rumors continue. Let’s find a way to salvage Arabella’s

disdainfully. If her high school was already abuzz

believed Arabella’s image in the eyes of the Brooks had significantly deteriorated.

thinking of this, she couldn’t help

sigh. “Since he was the one who took the

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

didn’t mention it, he would find Finnian to discover the truth about

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

keep a close eye on her. We can’t

you sure Tristan will keep an

her eyes showed her

looking down on them, the pampered children of

Arabella returned, he followed her around like a puppy, claiming he owed her

even got Ashley into trouble several

aware of Tristan’s excessive compliance with Arabella. After considering Ashley’s comment, she turned to Scott, saying, “Maybe we should send someone to

it.” Scott said, massaging his forehead in obvious

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

all else. Arabella’s antics were enough

likely he would need to extend his stay at the health

“Understood.”

Brooks family; even Ashley nodded in agreement, though she doubted they could keep it from her grandfather for