The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Darren’s sudden rise to stardom was like a stroke of luck for the whole Brooks family, casting a serendipitous glow on each of them.

Quick to capitalize on the momentum, Rainbow Entertainment snatched up Darren’s management contract, securing their chance to build the brotherly brand alongside Stephen, the other half of the dynamic duo.

The PR team, sharp as ever, revealed Darren’s relationship with Kala, quashing the persistent online rumors that the Brooks family was cursed with bad luck.

As a result, the Brooks family’s business ventures flourished.

Still, Melissa could not shake a weight on her heart.

Since Scott was taken away, the Brooks family had never reached out to Vivienne. Though Melissa’s heart ached for the girl, she could not find the proper excuse to see her.

To Melissa, Vivienne was family. Despite the lack of blood ties, Vivienne was the daughter of her dearest friend. The thought of severing that connection was unbearable.

Melissa had heard from Kala about Vivienne’s secret support for the Brooks family. She knew Vivienne was not cold-hearted; she would repay kindness tenfold.

The reason Melissa hesitated to contact Vivienne, unlike Kala and others, was guilt.

The Brooks family had never treated Karen well, and now her daughter suffered the same fate. How could Melissa not feel remorse?

Now that Vivienne had helped Darren become an overnight sensation, Melissa could no longer hold back. She decided it was time to reach out.

Gathering her children, including Kala, who was on set, she initiated a video call and laid out her plan.

dinner, and you all need to be there. Treat her like your own sister. Got

children and the adults to strengthen ties with Vivienne and avoid leaving her in the

and her siblings had no objections, and Darren certainly could not miss it. After all, he still

has brought nothing but trouble to our family, and you still want to think about her? She’s like a

in anger. “Think about it. Who really brought our family to this point – Vivienne or

mouth agape, could not find the words to argue. Deep down, she knew that both Judith and Scott had only been exposed by Vivienne because

not have handled things more gently instead of turning the Brooks family into a public

not even hold her head up at school. Furthermore, Charlotte Redwood had taken over her spot as the student representative

could not forgive Vivienne, no matter

“Carl, your father is away on business, but you need to be there. You’ll be representing both

if we’re done here, I need

“Go on, then.”

Carl rushed out and Kala ended the call, Darren hurried off to an appointment, leaving

“Ashley, you’re young and don’t yet see how Vivienne’s actions have ultimately benefited the Brooks family. When you grow up, you’ll understand that without her, not just our family but even the Edwards could have

husband, Vance Edwards, worked abroad on confidential national matters, and Ashley, though unclear on the specifics, knew her father’s

of the situation, Ashley remained stubbornly

you agree to go this time, I’ll let you join me as my

race, eager for the thrill. He had

I’ll go to

“Just don’t give anyone a cold shoulder at the

phone from the pocket of her worn-out jeans. With a few swipes and taps, she

call was unexpected for Vivienne. “Aunt Melissa,

the affectionate ‘Aunt Melissa,’ Melissa’s emotional dam broke, and tears began to stream down her cheeks.Books Chapters Are