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.”

her tone was suggesting a discussion but her stance left no room for

hand and patted it gently, “The best thing for

a semi-smile on

stepped forward and grasped Vivienne’s hand, “Vivienne, you can count on me.

carried the pride of

that had been touched. Then, tossing the wipe into the trash, her voice was cool and detached, “My mother only had one daughter, me. Don’t

her eyes cold, “And another thing, don’t touch me

face contorted

That damn Vivienne!

dare she call her dirty?

was the second daughter of the Brooks family and Vivienne

feelings, and said with a smile, “I know you must have misunderstood my past actions, sister. I apologize, and

nothing, taking a seat and adopting

looked at Vivienne before speaking, “I’ll consult the professionals to pick a date for the reunion. Once it’s settled, I’ll inform you all. This decision is final; I don’t want

those words, Scott

began to speak,

Scott silenced her; his eyes were filled with a threatening

of the Brooks family didn’t

had been silent throughout, “Percival, we have

gave Vivienne a sidelong look,

outsider, it surely wasn’t his place to be involved in

returned to her seat and addressed the room, “There’s one more thing we need

Everyone looked at her.

sat languidly with an air of nonchalance about her. Judith retracted her gaze and

just say what

“It’s not a big deal, really. It’s just that Vivienne’s engagement to Percival is to be called