The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 245

Darren quickly took a step back, maintaining a distance of roughly eight yards from Vivienne, as if he were avoiding the plague.

After noticing everyone’s puzzled looks, he coughed awkwardly. “It’s just.. Mom, I’m a big star now. There are going to be so many people at the gemstone auction. What if someone recognizes me?”

He glanced at Vivienne. “Besides, she doesn’t need me to look after her. If anything, she should be looking after me”

He had barely made it out of that hellhole, swearing to himself that he would never get close to Vivienne again if they ever met. He swore to himself to keep at least a ten yard distance between himself and her

But damn it! His long lost cousin was none other than Vivienne This wasn’t a happy reunion, it was a death sentence!

“A big star my ass!” Melissa retorted “Your older cousin, Kala, is an award winning actress, and she still walks around town every day. How come she doesn’t have as many issues as you do?”

“That’s because she’s chased by fans all day” Darren rolled his eyes. “Remember when she got trapped in a men’s restroom by a bunch of fans and had to be rescued by the police? That even made the news”

“So, are you going or not?” Melissa questioned him, not wanting to waste time arguing with him.

“Can not?” Darren looked at Vivienne fearfully

“If you don’t want to go, then don’t” Vivienne’s tone was indifferent. It was actually a bit kind.

Darren shivered and quickly changed his attitude. “No, I’ll go. I like gemstones too.”

Melissa and Ashley exchanged a puzzled glance, not quite understanding Darren’s odd behavior, but they didn’t push further.

Ashley was happy to have her brother come along. He could help carry her bags..

the nine of them. Mila, Calista, Paula, and her son were in one car, then Carl insisted on squeezing into their

and Ashley in Ronald’s car. When Darren saw Ronald’s new car, he was eager to

Brooks Mansion to the River Village

turned pale from Darren’s terrible driving skills. She felt like she was about to

feel sick.” Ashley cried

loved to show off despite his lack of skill, was infuriated when the other driver, Carl, overtook them and gave him a disdainful look. He hit the gas pedal hard, chasing after Carl recklessly. The car almost spun out

Feeling nauseous, she snapped. “Stop the car and get out. I’ll drive!”

way!” Darren was hell–bent on catching up with

you getting out or not?” Vivienne’s voice was menacing. She spoke like she was ready to

spine, and his voice softened into a whimper.

fresh air before glaring hatefully at Darren.

scratched his nose

already pulled open the driver’s door, yanking him out and shoving him into the

at Ronald, who also looked rather pale, and whined to Vivienne.

the same age, so they had been competing with

buckled

“Ashley buckle up”

Ashley fastened her seat belt, Vivienne floored the

even though Vivienne drove faster than Darren, the ride was much smoother. Even when taking sharp turns at high speed,

was playing the song “Party in the USA on full blast, adding

him! Darren exclaimed from the back seat. He connected his phone to the car’s Bluetooth and started playing the

made Vivienne, Ashley and Ronald cringe. Ashley reached to turn the music off, but

who was driving Paula’s car was a street racing enthusiast with excellent driving skills Outrunning Darren, who

saw Darren’s car, which had initially been out of sight, catching up to