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.”

to Vivienne; her tone was suggesting a discussion but her stance left no room for argument, “Vivienne,

patted it gently, “The best thing for our family is to live together,

with a semi-smile on her

“Vivienne, you can count on

carried the pride of a

that had been touched. Then, tossing the wipe into the trash, her voice was cool and detached, “My mother only had one

eyes cold, “And another thing,

face contorted

That damn Vivienne!

she call her dirty?

Brooks family and

my past

her a glance but said nothing, taking a seat and adopting an indifferent

the reunion for Calista, looked at Vivienne before speaking, “I’ll consult the professionals to pick a date for the reunion. Once it’s settled,

words, Scott

began

her; his eyes were filled with a threatening intent that startled

Brooks family didn’t

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

gave Vivienne a sidelong

it surely wasn’t his place to be involved in the Brooks’ private

and addressed the room, “There’s one more thing we

Everyone looked at her.

on Vivienne, who sat languidly with an air of nonchalance about her. Judith retracted her gaze and got

just say what

big deal, really.