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.

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

Something felt off.

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

realized that she had ruined her reputation there before seeking refuge

the news of the shameful acts committed by

kind woman. It was impossible

of paternity tests, suspecting that Beatrice had tampered

him. Arabella was indeed his

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

was already abuzz with the news, how could

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

she couldn’t help but

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

in such

mention it, he would find Finnian to discover the truth about Karen’s death. If she was murdered,

now,” Judith decided. “She wanted to return there for her college entrance exam. By the time

a close eye on her.

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

laughed, but her eyes showed her

looking down on them, the pampered

her around like a puppy, claiming he owed her a debt and

Ashley into trouble several

Arabella. After considering Ashley’s comment, she turned

said, massaging his forehead in

about this.” Judith sternly instructed. “He’s been having

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

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

“Understood.”

Ashley nodded in agreement, though she doubted they