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.

he was clueless about the announcement Vivienne was about to make.

exhaled deeply. “Vivienne, the family’s all here.

the room, finally fixing her gaze on Percival, her clear eyes shimmering with feigned confusion. “Mr. Wolf, am I bad at counting? It seems like not

chuckle at her expression, playfully pinching her

what are you up to? We’re all quite busy, and frankly, we don’t

warm, but certainly not

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

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

turned her gaze to Baron, her

wardrobe behind

cold sweat breaking out despite

in his voice, “That’s just a liquor cabinet. How could someone

the theatrics? If there’s something to say, why can’t you just

quickly pulled his sister back, worried she might provoke

the tension, “Ashley’s just suggesting the liquor cabinet

and

and approached the cabinet, dismantling

up, his tone detached, “Rivenwood suburb apartment 36, South Ridge Community villa 5, East County Villa 17,

question took Timothy

had no knowledge of these

glanced at Ronald, who also shook his head

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

you wouldn’t know. But Baron, he

as they spoke, revealing a hidden

family members were stunned. Behind the cabinet was

who remained as still as

on a dismantled plank, Leopold said, “Vivienne, what

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

Leopold was puzzled.

What could

not recall having anything of

he reached into his pocket,

Typical Vivienne, always prepared.

the grenade in his hand and

stop him in