The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The elders of the Brooks family had no objections to Tristan’s proposal.

But Kala wasn’t having any of it! She immediately retorted, “A big to-do for what? Tristan, don’t forget that Vivienne is the daughter of the person who saved your life! Have you no conscience? Where do you put Vivienne by making such a fuss for Calista?”

Tristan’s gaze sharpened, and he glanced sideways at Vivienne, noting her indifferent expression. He replied, “My gratitude and the family reunion for Calista are two separate matters. After all, she is a Brooks, and now that she’s back, a proper gathering is called for.”

“She’s a Brooks, so what?” Kala fumed. “She’s not the only daughter in this family.”

What was so special about Calista anyway?

If Mila didn’t stir the pot, Calista wouldn’t be an issue.

Kala’s heart ached for Vivienne. Scott had initially claimed to dislike Calista and didn’t agree with her return. Yet, in the blink of an eye, not only did he visit Calista in the hospital, but he also hired an exceptionally skilled doctor to set her broken bones.

Kala had seen it with her own eyes. Calista’s limbs were broken, and doctors capable of such a successful procedure were few and far between.

And yet, Scott had managed to enlist Dr. Brody, whose skills were renowned and sought after, often commanding a hefty fee.

And Scott did it all for Calista.

That might have been forgivable, but now he was planning a family reunion for her. Had he spared a thought for Vivienne?

Carl glanced at Calista, who looked smugly triumphant, and a flicker of disdain crossed his eyes.

While the family squabbled over her, Calista maintained an air of victory, which was worlds apart from Vivienne.

Carl was about to speak up for Vivienne when Judith suddenly cut in, “Enough! Calista is our child, and the reunion will go ahead. The matter is settled, no more discussion.”

stance left no room for argument, “Vivienne, Calista is your sister. From now on,

tone might have been harsh, she took Vivienne’s hand and patted it gently, “The

with a semi-smile

and grasped Vivienne’s hand, “Vivienne, you can count on me. We’re sisters now and I’ll treat

the

at her hand, now in Calista’s grasp, and walked over to a nearby table to pick up a wet wipe. She calmly cleaned her hand that had been touched. Then, tossing the wipe into the trash, her voice was cool and detached, “My

gaze, her eyes cold, “And another thing, don’t touch me again. It’s

face contorted with

That damn Vivienne!

dare she call her dirty? On what

daughter of the Brooks family

smile, “I know you must have misunderstood my past actions, sister. I apologize, and I promise there will be

nothing, taking a seat and adopting an

a date for the reunion. Once it’s settled,

Scott cemented

began to speak,

her; his eyes were filled with a threatening

family didn’t dare

was decided, Judith turned to Percival, who had been silent throughout, “Percival, we have some family

raised his gaze and gave

place to be involved in

returned to her seat and addressed the room, “There’s

Everyone looked at her.

gaze lingered on Vivienne, who sat languidly with an air of nonchalance

say what you need,” Timothy

once more, “It’s not a big deal, really.