The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Kala felt a ripple of anxiety; she certainly did not want the Brooks family to become tabloid fodder again.

It was not about her rising career but the desire to preserve the harmonious unity of the Brooks family from fragmenting into scandal.

Vivienne’s gaze dropped slightly before she spoke softly, “There’s a bit of an issue.”

Kala’s heart clenched with worry. “Vivienne, please tell me it’s not something to do with Dad…”

Her words stumbled out of her, knotted with nerves.

No, it could not be!

Her father was the epitome of kindness, incapable of harming a soul.

Though she tried to reassure herself, Kala’s palms were drenched with sweat from her mounting tension.

“Let’s discuss it when he gets back,” Vivienne said as she sat down and pulled out her phone to call Timothy, telling him to return home.

Meanwhile, with Cheryl’s support, Baron made his way out of his room.

Kala rushed to help Baron down the stairs, her mind racing with apprehension.

She had no clue what would unfold next.

But she was certain that whatever was about to happen would once again turn the Brooks family upside down.

“Vivienne, what’s on your mind?” Baron asked, his aged eyes betraying a hint of guilt.

Vivienne smiled faintly. “Let’s wait until everyone’s here.”

Baron did not press further, but his grip on his cane tightened, his hand slick with anxious perspiration.

Soon, Timothy and Ronald returned, and alongside them walked Ashley with her brother Darren and Melissa in tow.

With the Brooks family gathered, silence fell, all eyes on Vivienne and Percival.

Darren kept glancing at Leopold, seeking clues as to what was happening.

about the announcement Vivienne was about to make. After

deeply. “Vivienne, the family’s all here. Whatever you need

her clear eyes shimmering with feigned confusion. “Mr. Wolf, am I bad at counting? It seems like

could not help but chuckle at her expression, playfully pinching her cheek. “Indeed,

quite busy, and frankly, we don’t have

never been overly warm, but certainly not as

peaceful coexistence. But ever

down on them as

turned her gaze to Baron, her

towards the wardrobe behind Baron, “Why do

instantly, cold sweat breaking

pushed down the fear in his voice, “That’s just a liquor cabinet. How could

Vivienne was being ridiculous. “Can you stop with the theatrics? If

his sister back, worried she might provoke

the tension,

comments and

approached

36, South Ridge Community villa 5, East County Villa 17, Sovereign Community 19-3… Timothy, do any of these addresses

question took Timothy

no knowledge

who also shook his head in

family mostly resides in the Brooks Mansion. Even if we own other properties, they’re usually nearby. The

you wouldn’t know. But Baron, he

they spoke, revealing a hidden

cabinet was a solid wall;

except for Baron, who remained as still

dismantled plank, Leopold said, “Vivienne,

she fixed her gaze on Baron and said to Leopold, “You have something quite interesting in

Leopold was puzzled.

could

did not recall having anything of the

when he reached into his pocket, he

Typical Vivienne, always prepared.

weighed the grenade in his hand

could not stop him in