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.

avoid leaving her in the cold. If Vivienne ever

her siblings had no objections, and Darren certainly could

trouble to our family, and you still want to think about her? She’s like a jinx;

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

that both Judith and Scott had only been exposed by Vivienne because they had committed crimes.

be so harsh about it? Could she not have handled things more gently instead of

in the industry, Darren had missed out on opportunities to shine, and Ashley herself could not even hold her head

forgive Vivienne, no matter

away on business,

glancing at his watch. “Aunt Melissa, if we’re done here, I need to head out. There’s

“Go on, then.”

off to an appointment,

daughter, pleading, “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

and Ashley, though unclear on the specifics, knew her

of the situation, Ashley

Ashley’s sullen face, Carl tried to lighten the mood. “If you agree to go this time, I’ll let you join me as my

begged Carl to take her to a race, eager for the thrill.

instantly lifted. “Fine, I’ll

exhaled in relief. “Just don’t give anyone a cold shoulder at the

and made her way back to her room, pulling her phone from the

call was unexpected for Vivienne. “Aunt Melissa,

Melissa’s emotional dam broke, and tears began to stream down her