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.

respect. He had given her reign over the household not

came to the big decisions, she lacked judgment and was

really think he was unaware

between his father and the Ellingtons was known only to Judith, and she was fully aware that Richard disapproved

marry Calista off wasn’t about uniting the Brooks with the Ellingtons in

was like. Surely, she could see that among

trying not to

but she could never measure up to her! And she resented him for he had never let go of that woman for years, even though she

uncomfortably as Baron seemed to read her

if your mother lacks sense, don’t you have any? Do you think engagements can be broken and replaced on

Baron with an unaffected expression, “I

your reasons. The marriage between Calista and Percival will not be recognized by Richard, nor by me. Drop the idea unless you want me to take action. I

Scott remained silent.

must, but changing

you dare to stir up any 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 I’m gone, but as long as I’m alive, save

words, Baron turned and headed upstairs. He planned to stay at the Brooks

just as he reached the staircase, a

him and asked with a stern face,

the echo had faded, another blast shook

to ice as he commanded

blocks with Thaddeus when the loud noise startled the boy into her arms, trembling

face darkened instantly. She approached the window, looking down to see Jerry and his gang gleefully tossing bombs onto the Brooks

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

Rivenwood in less than half an hour as per Vivienne’s orders. We only

are phycho; I

Vivienne glared at them.

Phycho?

No!

was gentle! The gentlest girl in the

group. She held Thaddeus close and whispered soothingly, “Don’t be afraid; they’re just teaching some