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. After all, he was just

all here. Whatever you need to

eyes shimmering with feigned

at her expression, playfully pinching her cheek.

all quite busy, and frankly, we don’t

overly warm, but

return, she had not caused any trouble for Ashley, allowing a peaceful coexistence. But ever since Vivienne aired some family secrets about her grandmother, Ashley

how Vivienne always seemed to look down on them

to Baron, her

the wardrobe behind Baron, “Why do I feel

up instantly, cold sweat breaking out

voice, “That’s just a liquor

being ridiculous. “Can you stop with the theatrics? If there’s something to say, why

quickly pulled his sister back, worried

nervous chuckle, trying to defuse the

ignored the comments and simply

approached the cabinet, dismantling

Community villa 5, East County Villa 17, Sovereign

question took Timothy

no knowledge of

also

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

you wouldn’t know. But Baron, he

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

stunned. Behind the cabinet was a solid wall; how

Baron, who remained as still as a

plank, Leopold said, “Vivienne,

smile as she fixed her gaze on Baron and

Leopold was puzzled.

could

recall having anything

he reached into his pocket, he found a brand-new

Typical Vivienne, always prepared.

weighed the grenade in his hand and tossed it

stop