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

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

the room, finally fixing her gaze on Percival, her clear eyes shimmering with feigned confusion. “Mr. Wolf, am I bad

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

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

had never been overly warm, but certainly

trouble for Ashley, allowing a peaceful coexistence. But ever

on them as

to Baron,

she lifted a finger, pointing towards the wardrobe behind Baron, “Why

instantly, cold sweat

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

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

quickly pulled his sister back, worried she

a nervous chuckle, trying to defuse the tension, “Ashley’s just suggesting the liquor

comments and

understood immediately and approached the cabinet, dismantling it

South Ridge Community villa 5, East County

question took

no knowledge of

at Ronald, who also shook his head in

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

course, you wouldn’t know. But Baron, he knows very

revealing a hidden

was a solid wall; how could there be

around except for Baron, who

plank, Leopold said, “Vivienne,

her gaze on Baron and said to

Leopold was puzzled.

could

having anything of the

pocket, he found a

Typical Vivienne, always prepared.

weighed the grenade in his hand and tossed

not stop