The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

In the nursing home.

Baron was hoisted off the floor by the staff. A surge of rage shot straight to his temples as his eyes scanned the chaotic mess that was once his pristine living room.

He changed into fresh clothes and, with a storm brewing within, he made a beeline to the Brooks residence.

Judith was deep in conversation with Scott to discuss the details of Calista’s engagement party when Baron stormed in. She blinked in surprise.

“Why you’re back?”

Ever since Baron had checked into the nursing home, he had washed his hands of all matters concerning the Brooks family. Other than the time he brought back Vivienne. After being scolded by Richard that time, he moved into the Brooks household for a while before returning to the nursing home. Then he rarely came back.

But his sudden return today and his grim face both puzzled Judith.

She couldn’t fathom who might have crossed him.

“If I hadn’t come back, it seems you lot would have really gone off the rails!” Baron’s anger erupted, his hand making sharp contact with Judith’s cheek as he bellowed, “Who gave you the right to call off Vivienne and Percival’s engagement? Who gave you such nerves? Since when is Calista worthy of claiming the title of a Brooks?”

His face turned a shade of thunderous blue as he continued, “If she’s smart, she can stay put and behave for the rest of her life. If not, she can get lost and forget she ever belonged to the Brooks family.”

Judith clutched her face in disbelief. She didn’t believe that he really hit her.

They had lived side by side for decades, not necessarily with deep affection, but always with mutual respect. He had never raised his voice to her before, let alone raised a hand.

Today, not only had he lashed out at her verbally, but he had also struck her physically.

“You… you hit me?” Judith stammered, barely able to squeeze the words out.

Baron glanced at her, his voice cold as ice, “That slap is to remind you that there are consequences for acting out of turn!”

His gaze towards Judith was tinged with disdain.

and throughout their life together, they had treated each other with respect. He had given her reign over the household not out of love, but because he needed a woman

big decisions, she lacked judgment and was overly cunning, just like with the matter

he was unaware of

only to Judith, and she was fully aware that Richard disapproved

Calista off wasn’t about uniting the

knew full well what Calista was like. Surely, she could see that among all the grandchildren,

trying not to let the Ellingtons have it too

she could never measure up to her! And she resented him for he had never let go of that woman for

face flushed uncomfortably as Baron seemed to

turned to Scott, “And if your mother lacks sense, don’t you have any? Do you think engagements can be broken and replaced

Baron

idea unless you want me to take action. I may

Scott remained silent.

Calista, throw her a reunion party if you must, but changing

more trouble and make that old cap Richard come to me, just don’t blame me for cutting our family ties! You can do whatever you want once

planned to stay at the Brooks residence for a while. Some people always rigged when he was not

he reached the staircase,

supported him and

faded, another blast shook

to ice as he commanded

with Thaddeus when the loud

approached the window, looking down to see Jerry and his gang gleefully tossing bombs

land for they were aiming at the open spaces. But the bombs

need to clear out of Rivenwood in less than half an hour as per Vivienne’s orders. We only have

punishments are phycho;

Vivienne glared at them.

Phycho?

No!

girl in the world, according to

held Thaddeus close and whispered soothingly, “Don’t