The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

After Jerry and his crew had left, Scott’s face was a storm cloud as he ascended the staircase and made his way to Vivienne’s room.

He rapped on the door, and after a long wait, Vivienne eventually came to open it.

Leaning casually against the door frame, she arched an eyebrow, “You looking for me, Mr. Brooks?”

Scott locked eyes with her, his voice a shade deeper than usual, “Happy with the chaos you’ve caused?”

Vivienne let out a dry laugh, “Huh! Are you here to settle scores with me?”

Her tone was cool, edged with an unspoken authority.

Scott’s brows knitted together. After a long stare, he softened, “Vivienne, I know you’re upset about Calista coming back, but I have my reasons that I can’t share. Dad’s always loved you the most, and I hope you can understand that.”

Vivienne’s lips twisted into a mocking smile, “Mr. Brooks, are you mistaken? I’ve always been very understanding.”

Her smile had a seductive twist, “I understand the difficulty you face so I agree with bringing Calista back into the Brooks fold and I even went along with canceling the engagement. I’ve been nothing but accommodating. What more do you want from me, my heart on a platter?”

Scott’s expression soured, “If you understand me, then why let your disciples create a scene at the Brooks estate? And why send Richard to hassle Grandpa at the nursing home? The Brooks family has weathered enough storms; I just want some peace.”

Rubbing her temples and then crossing her arms, Vivienne looked at him with amusement, “Richard going after Baron was his own doing. My disciples? They can’t stand to see me bullied. They were just looking out for me. Is that a problem?”

“Yes, it’s understandable,” Scott conceded, “but you should still try to calm them down.”

Vivienne couldn’t help but laugh, “Mr. Brooks, are you losing your cool?”

Scott’s heart skipped and cast her a surprised look. Was she onto something?

He fell silent for a moment before asking, “What do you mean?”

With a sly smile, Vivienne probed, “Who do you think is more formidable, me or my mother?”

“You,” Scott replied without hesitation.

Karen was the most unique woman he had ever encountered.

Her wisdom, her talents and all the gifts she received from the heavens seemed to halo her in an inextinguishable glow. She was always captivating.

more astonishing than

her pockets. And with a rogue’s grin, she said, “Go prepare for Calista’s reunion banquet, Scott. There will be a surprise waiting for

to speak, but Vivienne had

for a long while before

her skin with fright at the explosion. Learning that it was Vivienne’s disciples coming for revenge had

Baron had returned in a rage and refused to acknowledge her engagement to Percival. She was so angry that she could have exploded right

did Vivienne get

many disciples stood up for her, and even Baron seemed to

something in her anger, but she restrained herself, not wanting the Brooks’ to be disappointed in her. She huffed to herself with a long

didn’t agree with the engagement,

everyone knew she was

…

later, it’s time

her best behavior these

running around making preparations for her banquet. With Baron holding down the fort at the

held at the Brooks estate, was far more lavish than Vivienne’s simple hotel

of A-list celebrities and

Calista’s mother, had been making frequent appearances at the estate

Judith had previously been opposed to Mila marrying Scott, she was,

set for the

afternoon, the Brooks estate was abuzz with preparations to welcome

into a black dress and leapt out her window, scaling the walls of the

a few agile moves, she

jumped in through

turned around with a smile, “Mr.

returned the smile, “When Vivienne calls, how can

swept over Scott’s room, “Thomas and Matthew are keeping Scott occupied; they won’t be back up here for half

more

split up

began a thorough search of Scott’s

had been here before. She had found a safe but not the item she

had brought Percival along for a more extensive

her

were a blur