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.

time, he felt distant, even when she obediently called

Something felt off.

between her, Karen, and him,

hearing about Arabella’s scandals in Havenwood, he realized that she had ruined her

committed by a high school girl could be

It was

ordered another round of paternity tests, suspecting that Beatrice had tampered with the

the results disappointed him.

their argument. “Since we’ve confirmed she’s a Brooks, we can’t

was already abuzz with the

this incident, she believed Arabella’s image in the eyes of the Brooks had significantly deteriorated. When Arabella returned from Havenwood, she wouldn’t be treated like

this, she couldn’t help

the one who took the child away, we have to hear his side

character, he wouldn’t raise Karen’s daughter in such a manner. Even

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

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

keep a close eye

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

laughed, but her eyes showed her

like a mad dog, always looking down

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

got Ashley into trouble

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

of it.” Scott said, massaging

about this.” Judith sternly instructed. “He’s been having some heart troubles, and

above all else. Arabella’s antics were enough to make the Brooks the laughingstock of Rivenwood, ridiculed for welcoming such a badly behaved individual

out, it was likely he would need to

“Understood.”

Ashley nodded in agreement, though she doubted they could keep it from her grandfather