The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Everyone looked up as Vivienne walked in, her pace slow and measured. Clad in a plain tee and jeans, the simplicity of her attire was offset by the icy expression that seemed permanently etched onto her delicate features.

Kala watched her, emotions churning within her.

After a moment, she spoke up, “No need. I’ll handle it myself.”

She was at a loss for how to treat Vivienne now.

After all, it was not Vivienne who had affected her work, but there was an undeniable discomfort whenever she saw Vivienne.

Did she blame Vivienne?

No.

After all, her grandmother had genuinely committed murder, and not just once, but tenfold.

For twenty years, the families of the victims had been deprived of the truth.

Her grandmother’s fate was deserved.

She just could not face Vivienne.

It seemed ever since Vivienne’s return, everyone she was close to had changed.

Vivienne approached her, her face serious. “Judith’s death was a consequence of her actions. If she hadn’t resisted arrest, she wouldn’t have been shot in front of you. And the media exposure you faced wasn’t my doing. I covered your penalty fees as a gesture of goodwill. You were the only one who treated me with genuine kindness after I joined the Brooks family.”

When the Brooks first took her in, everyone had been considerate, but there was always an ulterior motive.

Only Kala had been genuinely kind to her.

That was just how Vivienne was unable to ignore those who were sincerely kind to her.

though this incident was somewhat related to her, she

could assist Kala, but she would never

unsure of what to

words, never using two where one would suffice. But

to Baron and stated flatly, “Baron, I’m here to pack up. I won’t be

scoffed, “What, you think you can just bail when the going gets tough? I’m not dead yet. Even in hard times, I wouldn’t

it weren’t you and Percival, I wouldn’t have spared her. This case… Richard and I have been investigating it in the shadows for years. If

an

with finality. “We’re discussing the future of the Brooks family. You should listen in. You’re nearly twenty. It’s time you learned about

don’t mind where I stay as long as you all

at her. “Do you think I raised

he glanced over at Timothy and

expressions. It was not that they blamed Vivienne; it was just hard to accept what had happened right before their

now, Timothy was coming

on her conscience, and she

had done

who remained silent with a

not say more and took the seat

Vivienne has paid the penalty fee, it’s up to you whether you want to stay

question how Vivienne had come into so much money. After all, Karen’s daughter could not be doing too badly, especially with that black card filled with funds, and with the backing of the Ellington

Kala nodded. “Alright.”

a mistake, we can’t shirk responsibility. I’ll issue an apology and provide compensation for the victims’ families. On top of that, we need to push forward new projects. We’re

Scott would be the

the thumb of Richard and was frequently in the sanatorium, had appeared less

Baron was orchestrating a comeback with new projects and had even managed to recruit Griffin,

lineage? Were the Rivenwood families not reluctant to deal with those from such

and need to rest,” Baron

the others busied themselves with