The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1161

Arnold stepped forward, teasing Brooke as her eyes welled up with tears, "If you really can't hold it in, how about you save those tears for when Bobby and I tie the knot?"

"You're impossible!" The mood was instantly ruined by Arnold's jest, and Brooke lost any inclination to be sentimental.

Anna had just left the convenience store, planning to hail a cab to the lab, when Soren hurried up behind her. "It's kinda tough to catch a cab around here. Let me give you a lift; I need to check some stuff at the lab anyway." Anna was about to decline but, catching Soren's earnest look, she swallowed her words. "That would be great, thanks."

Even though they had cleared the air between them, Anna couldn't shake off a feeling of unease. Was this the awkward phase?

Their ride to the lab was marked by silence until they arrived.

Taking a deep breath, Soren glanced at Anna, his usual bravado replaced by a sheepish tone. "About yesterday, I'm sorry. I jumped the gun, thinking you were defending him. I didn't really get your relationship, so, you know..." Anna couldn't help but laugh at the thought, her sudden laughter cutting through the tension in the car.

Soren, catching on, exhaled in relief. "I was holding back from reaching out, afraid you'd block me or something."

"I wouldn't do that," Anna replied. "Aside from everything else, you're still my team leader."

Relieved, they headed into the lab together.

Upon their arrival, they found Vivienne laying into Brody, "This month alone, you've managed to knock over so many test tubes in my lab, fifty of them shattered. Each costs sixty grand, so you better start writing that check!" "My word, what kind of test tubes are those?" Brody retorted, disbelief in his voice as he confronted Vivienne, "You're not trying to scam me, are you? With your wealth, and here you are, nickel-and-diming me!"

Vivienne scoffed, "My sweat and tears are in those tubes. If my research pans out, each could be worth six million. You getting off with sixty grand is a steal."

The standoff continued as Soren and Anna entered, unnoticed, and went about their business, leaving the battleground to the combatants.

list every item he'd

her as she watched, only leaving once the transaction

a change in their dynamic. It seemed they

they didn't let a small misunderstanding come between them,"

Vivienne's meaningful gaze. "Ms. Vivienne,

reports with her

with a smile, Vivienne asked, "So, you

stiffened, caught off guard by Vivienne's insight. "Sort of, we

"Let me know

to clarify, worried Soren might overhear. Little did she know, Soren was right behind her, listening as she awkwardly tried to dismiss Vivienne's teasing. Embarrassed, Anna knew despite Soren's interest, their relationship was just starting.

work cut out for him," Vivienne remarked, glancing

look, Vivienne departed, leaving Anna's heart

thoughts, Soren approached,

blush, missing the red tint on Soren's

a moment, she

Griffin nearly jumped out

the Martinez family was always so worried about

it; I get

gossip," Griffin chuckled, then

so much going on between them But with

together, Griffin found it hard to

how could they not fall for each other?" Vivienne mused, popping a cherry into her mouth. Thinking it over, Griffin had to agree. If she were in those shoes, she'd fall head over heels