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.

Vivienne was even more astonishing than her

with a rogue’s grin, she said, “Go prepare for Calista’s reunion banquet, Scott. There

to speak, but Vivienne had

stood outside her door for a long while before turning and walking

at the explosion.

and refused to acknowledge her engagement to Percival. She was so angry that she could

did Vivienne get to be

stood up for her, and even Baron seemed to be on her

the Brooks’ to

agree with the engagement,

reunion banquet was over and everyone knew she was

…

later, it’s time for Calista’s reunion

been on her best behavior these last few

holding down the fort at

at the Brooks estate, was far more

family had invited a bevy of A-list

been making frequent appearances

she was, after

banquet was set for the

afternoon, the Brooks estate was abuzz

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

agile moves, she landed

later, another figure jumped in

a smile, “Mr. Wolf, impeccable

calls, how can I be anything but

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

hour is more

split up and

a

before. She had found a safe but

brought Percival along for a more extensive

would be her last search of Scott’s

were a blur of