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. After

the family’s all here. Whatever you need to say, go

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

but chuckle at her expression, playfully pinching her cheek.

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

and Vivienne’s relationship had never been overly warm, but certainly not as strained as

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

on them as if

to

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

up instantly, cold sweat breaking out despite

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

ridiculous. “Can you stop with the theatrics?

quickly pulled his sister back, worried

trying to defuse the tension, “Ashley’s just suggesting

comments and simply

understood immediately and approached the cabinet,

to intervene, 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

direct question

had no knowledge of

who also shook his

Brooks Mansion. Even if we own other properties, they’re usually nearby. The houses you mentioned

smiled. “Of course, you wouldn’t know.

the liquor cabinet as they spoke, revealing a

Brooks family members were stunned. Behind the cabinet was a solid wall; how could there be

except for Baron, who

plank, Leopold

a sly smile as she fixed her gaze on Baron and said to Leopold, “You have something quite interesting in

Leopold was puzzled.

What could that

did not recall having

when he reached into his pocket, he found a brand-new tear gas

Typical Vivienne, always prepared.

weighed the grenade in his hand and tossed

not stop