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.

even more

in 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

had already shut

door for a long

side, Calista was nearly out of her skin with fright at the explosion. Learning that it was Vivienne’s

in a rage and refused to acknowledge her engagement to

get to

for her, and even Baron seemed to

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

agree with

she was

…

it’s time for Calista’s reunion

best behavior these last

preparations for her banquet. With Baron holding down the fort at the estate, no one dared to make

the Brooks estate, was far more lavish than

invited a bevy of A-list celebrities and

appearances at the estate and taking advantage of

had previously been opposed to Mila marrying Scott, she was, after all, Calista’s

set for the

estate was

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

a few agile moves,

another figure jumped in

around with a

smile, “When Vivienne calls, how can I be anything but

and Matthew are keeping Scott occupied; they won’t be back up here

an hour is more than enough,” Vivienne

split

further conversation, they began a thorough search of Scott’s

a safe but not the item

brought Percival along for a more extensive

surprises, this would be her last search of Scott’s personal

and Percival were a blur