The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Night fell over the Brooks household.

Kala and Darren ambled into their home, exhausted from an evening event, too tired to even think about removing their makeup.

Ronald was lounging in the living room; upon seeing them, he greeted them with a grin. “You guys are back. There’s some goodies in the kitchen.”

Kala stretched languidly, about to respond, when a knock came at the door. “Who could that be at this hour?”

The door swung open to reveal a familiar figure, and Kala paused, blinking in disbelief.

Rubbing her eyes and looking again, she exclaimed, “Vivienne?”

She was utterly baffled!

Ever since the Brooks family had been rocked by the scandal involving Scott and Judith, Vivienne had become a stranger to their home.

Although Kala and Vivienne occasionally crossed paths, those instances were few and far between.

Vivienne was always so busy, hardly ever seen.

Kala recalled that the last time they had met was six months ago, a brief encounter en route to the office, nothing more than a hurried greeting before going separate ways.

But now, an uneasy premonition nagged at her – what could Vivienne’s unexpected visit signify?

Since their grandmother’s passing, Vivienne had moved out of the Brooks residence, and her last visit had been to confront Scott.

Without any apparent reason, Vivienne’s sudden arrival couldn’t help but stir fears of impending bad news.

Please, no more shocks – her fragile heart couldn’t take it!

managed to say, “Vivienne, what brings you here all of a sudden? Is there something

smile

chuckling. “We’re delighted to have you;

settled onto the couch, turning to Kala. “How have

didn’t seem to portend trouble, Kala

an award for Best Actress, and in a few days, I’m off to shoot a movie directed by a renowned filmmaker. It’s a script I’m

“Sounds fantastic!

How have things been for you? I saw on your Facebook yesterday that you and

helped her, swearing she would marry him. But recently, she discovered that the man was

no more than a shadow. Until she had learned it was Percival, she didn’t even know what he looked like. Had he been single, she would have pursued him without hesitation. But now, she graciously stepped aside, wishing Percival and Vivienne

with

trio chatted casually until Vivienne turned to Ronald, her tone

surprise. “What happened

with work, she had been out of the loop with family

with relief. “I’ve been tied up with the bionic robot project and couldn’t go fetch him myself. I was worried when I heard the sanatorium was

wakes up and doesn’t even

as his

flickered over his hand, the

chuckled awkwardly. “Vivienne, why are you looking at me like

“I’m curious to see the expression of a man who’s personally responsible for his own brother’s critical injuries

stiffened. “What do you mean by

“Vivienne, are you suggesting Ronald

Carl was Ronald’s

their blood ties were somewhat distant. But Carl was different; he was Ronald’s biological brother. How could he do such

believe it, Kala looked at Vivienne with hopeful eyes, waiting for her to say it was just