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?

headlines were going to explode! The Brooks family would be thrust into the

the room and stood up. She patted Kala’s

blinked

think about food at a

would she not be in the

away, and it felt darn

and said to the others, “Seems we

one had touched the banquet food, and the household

generation would

focus was all on Vivienne. He was anxious about her temper and worried she might teach him a lesson for what happened years ago. But

did not waste

brief silence, Ronald and Ashley stood up to

to leave since Calista was apprehended but was wary of Percival’s looming presence. Now, with Vivienne departing, he hurried after her. “Wait for me, Vivienne! I’m coming

sprinted off, not looking

leaving with Richard. He instructed Thomas to escort

out,

eyes flicked up.

with Vivienne, leaving the others

What was going on?

not supposed to have called off their

seemed as

distance, the

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

food was undeniably

at the top-floor

smokes! This is the Supreme VIP

in a dull tone, “I heard this room is never open to the public, only to Supreme VIP card owners.

eyes turned to

was no wastrel of the Ellington family. He was

only to be met by the manager of Charisma

manager never personally attended to guests; that was a job for his assistants. Yet, here he was, addressing Percival by his

What was going on?

back in his chair, one hand entwined with Vivienne’s, the other resting on the table. His voice was cool and detached. “These are

course, Percival!” After the manager gave his

Silence enveloped the room.

forth between Vivienne and Percival, a hundred unasked

an intimidating aura that silenced any

Percival, heart pounding, before quickly averting

Soon, the food arrived.

signature dishes had everyone