The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The unfolding drama gobsmacked the guests at the gathering.

Everyone’s mind was plastered with a big question mark.

What? What just happened?

Was not this supposed to be a family reunion feast?

Why was the guest of honor being carted off by the police?

Accused of endangering national security, no less?

The Brooks family was equally stunned, caught completely off-guard by these developments. At the center of it all, Scott’s expression turned as dark as a thundercloud.

His gaze cut through the room to land on Vivienne, and a flicker of ice shot through his eyes.

So, this was the “surprise” she had talked about?

What on earth was she playing at?

Calista, about to be dragged out of the Brooks Mansion, struggled frantically. “Let me go! You’ve got the wrong person! I’m innocent! Mom! Save me! I did not do it!”

But what could her slight frame do against the iron grip of the Vanguard Agency?

Each member of the Vanguard Agency was the cream of the crop.

Even the toughest guys from the GTO would not stand a chance once the Vanguard Agency had them in their grasp, let alone Calista.

“Calista!” Mila snapped out of her shock and rushed to intercept the Vanguard Agency members.

However, before she could get close, they pointed their guns at her. “Those who obstruct justice will be taken away, too!”

Mila froze in her tracks, startled.

Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, Calista was taken away just like that.

The guests exchanged uneasy glances before excusing themselves one by one.

In no time, the Brooks Mansion was left with just the Brooks family and their close associates Richard, Percival, and Leopold.

The Brooks were still reeling from the turn of events.

Who could have anticipated a family reunion turning into this?

Brooks family would be thrust into the

up. She

Kala blinked in

about food at a time

Why would she not be

had been taken away, and

stood up energetically and said to the others, “Seems we won’t

banquet

generation would

on Vivienne. He was anxious about her temper and worried she might teach him a lesson for what happened years ago. But seeing her in quite a good mood,

did not waste a

brief silence, Ronald and Ashley stood

was wary of Percival’s looming presence. Now, with Vivienne departing, he hurried after her. “Wait for me, Vivienne! I’m

off,

at the Brooks family before leaving with Richard. He instructed Thomas to escort Richard home while swiftly pulling Vivienne into his

out, “You heartless

eyes flicked up. “Follow

that, he drove off with Vivienne, leaving

What was going on?

two not supposed to

seemed as close as

Percival’s car disappearing into the distance, the group hurried

was Charisma Pavilion, a high-end, exclusive members-only restaurant with sky-high prices that even the Brooks’ heirs could not afford to frequent

the food was

at the top-floor

This is

room is never open to the public, only to Supreme VIP

eyes turned

guy was no wastrel of the Ellington family. He was

be met by the manager of Charisma Pavilion.

guests; that was a job for his

What was going on?

with Vivienne’s, the other resting on the table. His voice was cool and detached. “These are my friends.

the manager gave his orders, he

Silence enveloped the room.

forth between Vivienne and Percival, a hundred unasked questions

exuding an intimidating

glance at Percival, heart pounding, before quickly averting her

Soon, the food arrived.

dishes had everyone