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 about to make. After all,

exhaled deeply. “Vivienne, the family’s all here. Whatever you need to say, go

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

but chuckle at her expression, playfully pinching her

frowned. “Vivienne, what are you up to? We’re all quite busy, and frankly, we don’t have time to

never been overly warm, but certainly not as strained as it was

caused any trouble for Ashley, allowing a peaceful coexistence. But ever since Vivienne aired some family secrets

how Vivienne always seemed to look down on them as if she

gaze to

wardrobe behind Baron, “Why do I feel

straightened up instantly, cold sweat breaking out

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

was being ridiculous. “Can you stop with the theatrics? If there’s something to say, why can’t you

pulled his sister back,

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

comments and simply looked

immediately and approached the

but Percival spoke up, his tone detached, “Rivenwood suburb apartment 36, South Ridge Community villa 5, East County Villa 17, Sovereign Community 19-3… Timothy, do any of these

question took Timothy

knowledge of these

at Ronald, who also shook

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

smiled. “Of course, you wouldn’t know. But Baron, he

had dismantled the liquor cabinet as they spoke, revealing a hidden passage.

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

crowded around except for Baron, who remained as still as a

dismantled plank, Leopold

smile as she fixed her gaze on Baron and said to

Leopold was puzzled.

could

not recall having anything of the

pocket, he found a brand-new tear gas

Typical Vivienne, always prepared.

weighed the grenade in his hand and tossed it

stop