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.

was clueless about the announcement Vivienne was about to make.

here. Whatever you need

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

help but chuckle at her expression, playfully pinching her cheek. “Indeed,

quite busy, and frankly, we

overly warm, but certainly not as strained as it was with

a peaceful coexistence. But ever since Vivienne aired some family secrets about

look down on them as

her gaze to Baron, her stare

towards the wardrobe behind Baron, “Why do I feel like there’s

instantly, cold sweat breaking out despite his

his voice, “That’s just a liquor cabinet.

theatrics? If there’s something

sister back,

don’t get upset,” Darren said with a nervous chuckle, trying to defuse the tension, “Ashley’s just suggesting

ignored the comments and simply looked

immediately and approached

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

direct question

knowledge of

also shook his

the Brooks Mansion. Even if we own

course, you wouldn’t know.

revealing a

were stunned. Behind the cabinet was a solid wall; how could there

Baron, who remained

a dismantled plank, Leopold said, “Vivienne, what

into a sly smile as she fixed her gaze on Baron and said to

Leopold was puzzled.

What could

recall having anything of the

reached into his pocket, he found a

Typical Vivienne, always prepared.

hand and tossed

stop him