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.

marriage had been arranged, and throughout their life together, they had treated each other with respect. He had given her reign over the household not out

big decisions, she

she really think he was unaware of her

his father and the Ellingtons was known only to

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

among all the grandchildren, only Vivienne truly shone as the best of

trying not to let the Ellingtons

him for he had never let go

Baron seemed

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

casting a glance at Baron with an unaffected expression, “I have

Percival will not be recognized by Richard, nor by me. Drop the idea unless you want

Scott remained silent.

that Calista, throw her a reunion party if you must, but changing her name is out of the question! How could a bastard child carry

blame me for cutting our family ties! You can do

stay at the Brooks residence for

as he reached the staircase, a

immediately supported him and asked

had faded, another blast shook

ice as he commanded

assembling Lego blocks with Thaddeus when the

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

scouted the land for they were aiming at the open

shout, “Hurry up, guys! We need to clear out of Rivenwood in

yeah, hurry up! Vivienne’s punishments are phycho; I can’t risk her upping

Vivienne glared at them.

Phycho?

No!

gentlest girl in the world,

glanced down at the group. She held Thaddeus close and whispered soothingly, “Don’t be