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

hands in her pockets. And with a rogue’s grin, she said, “Go prepare for Calista’s

tried to speak, but Vivienne had

for a

nearly out of her skin with fright at

her engagement to Percival. She was so angry that she could have exploded right

Vivienne get to

stood up for her, and even Baron seemed to be

wanting the Brooks’ to be disappointed in her.

agree with the engagement, so

the reunion banquet was over and everyone knew she was a Brooks, getting Percival

…

days later, it’s time for Calista’s reunion

had been on her best behavior these last few

her banquet. With Baron holding down the fort at the estate, no one

was far more lavish than Vivienne’s simple

family had invited a bevy of A-list celebrities and

making frequent appearances at the estate and taking advantage of the

marrying Scott, she was, after all, Calista’s mother. So her attitude had warmed

banquet was set for

was

o’clock, as dusk settled, Vivienne slipped into a black dress and leapt out her window, scaling the walls of the

moves, she landed in

later, another figure jumped in

with a smile, “Mr.

Vivienne calls, how can I be

“Thomas and Matthew are keeping Scott occupied; they

hour is more than

let’s split

conversation, they began a thorough search of Scott’s

before. She had found a

brought Percival along for a more

be her last

were