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?

family would be thrust into the spotlight

stood up. She patted Kala’s shoulder.

Kala blinked in

think about food at a time

Why would she not

been taken away, and it felt darn

said to the others, “Seems we won’t be

touched the banquet food, and

generation would only

fond of Calista, and his focus was all on Vivienne. He was anxious about her temper and worried she might teach him a lesson for what happened

did not waste a moment

silence, Ronald and Ashley stood up to join

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

sprinted off,

He instructed

out,

eyes flicked up. “Follow

off with Vivienne, leaving the

What was going on?

to

as close as

Percival’s car disappearing into the distance,

destination was Charisma Pavilion, a high-end, exclusive members-only restaurant with sky-high prices that even the Brooks’ heirs could

food

arriving at the top-floor private room, everyone’s eyes

This is the Supreme

room is never open to the public, only to Supreme

eyes turned

wastrel of the Ellington family. He was a

be met by the

a job for his assistants. Yet, here

What was going on?

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

course, Percival!” After the manager gave his

Silence enveloped the room.

and forth between Vivienne and Percival, a hundred unasked questions hanging in the

intimidating aura that silenced any potential

heart pounding, before quickly averting her

Soon, the food arrived.

signature dishes had everyone