The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The room fell into a stunned silence.

How on earth was she back?

Was not she apprehended?

Vivienne glanced at Calista, her eyebrows lifting ever so slightly, a flash of imperceptible light crossing her gaze.

Calista stood at the door, eyes sweeping over the assembled crowd before resting on Vivienne, who seated in the corner. She marched over, her eyes locked with Vivienne’s, her teeth clenched as she demanded, “Was it you?”

After a moment’s contemplation, she was sure this mess had nothing to do with her. Among everyone in the Brooks family, Vivienne had been more at odds with her than anyone else.

With a languid ease, Vivienne reclined in her chair, her hands resting on the armrests, gazing coolly at Calista.

Seeing her nonchalance, Calista grew even more infuriated. Her delicate face almost twisted in anger, yet she struggled to maintain her composure. “I know you’re not thrilled about me becoming your sister, but last night was the Brooks family’s feast! Your actions could put the entire Brooks family in the hot seat. Did not you think about the consequences for our family?”

Her tone held the certainty that Vivienne was the culprit.

Watching the exchange, Judith frowned and interjected, “What’s going on here? Calista, how did you come back? And what’s this about Vivienne being behind it?”

The capabilities of the Vanguard Agency were no secret to anyone in the room.

No one could walk out of there once taken.

“Grandma, they cleared me. I did not do it. But why would they come for me at the Brooks Mansion? Someone must have been pulling strings,” Calista hinted with purpose.

All eyes shifted to Vivienne.

The infant virus trials were no minor affair. If Calista were to shoulder such an accusation, it would ruin her life.

Calista believed Vivienne reported her to keep her away from Percival. She refused to believe Vivienne had the power to command the Vanguard Agency.

had to be a

turned her steely gaze to Vivienne, asking, “Is this true,

rest of the Brooks family awaited Vivienne’s response. This was no trivial matter. One mishandling could destroy

of their own, and they

looked on with a penetrating stare as if trying to see

sat, unfazed, her expression unchanging

she rose from her

had almost confirmed what she needed to

was unexpected

had come directly from Percival. His men took Calista,

Calista

as she met Calista’s gaze,

momentary cowardice. Remembering the terrifying small room and the humiliation of being taken away in front of so many people, she felt an

the Brooks family. Vivienne, I know you hate me, but you can’t let our entire family be shamed. Can’t we let bygones be bygones?” Calista tried to play on the family sentiment, stirring the emotions of the other Brooks

said, “Vivienne, if it was you, apologize to your

voice was commanding yet

twinkled, and she suddenly laughed, “Are

Apologize?

What a joke!

frowned upon hearing

had already denied any involvement, and yet Scott

Karen not the

not

it that now that Calista was back, everything

if he did

has nothing to do with her. Plus, these people didn’t say she did it either, did they? You can’t just make Vivienne apologize based solely on Calista’s words. This is not fair to her. They’re both your

flickered toward Kala, silencing her

turned back to

Even though the multiple paternity tests confirmed their relation, he had