The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The elders of the Brooks family had no objections to Tristan’s proposal.

But Kala wasn’t having any of it! She immediately retorted, “A big to-do for what? Tristan, don’t forget

that Vivienne is the daughter of the person who saved your life! Have you no conscience? Where do

you put Vivienne by making such a fuss for Calista?”

Tristan’s gaze sharpened, and he glanced sideways at Vivienne, noting her indifferent expression. He

replied, “My gratitude and the family reunion for Calista are two separate matters. After all, she is a

Brooks, and now that she’s back, a proper gathering is called for.”

“She’s a Brooks, so what?” Kala fumed. “She’s not the only daughter in this family.”

What was so special about Calista anyway?

If Mila didn’t stir the pot, Calista wouldn’t be an issue.

Kala’s heart ached for Vivienne. Scott had initially claimed to dislike Calista and didn’t agree with her

return. Yet, in the blink of an eye, not only did he visit Calista in the hospital, but he also hired an

exceptionally skilled doctor to set her broken bones.

Kala had seen it with her own eyes. Calista’s limbs were broken, and doctors capable of such a

successful procedure were few and far between.

And yet, Scott had managed to enlist Dr. Brody, whose skills were renowned and sought after, often

commanding a hefty fee.

And Scott did it all for Calista.

That might have been forgivable, but now he was planning a family reunion for her. Had he spared a

thought for Vivienne?

Carl glanced at Calista, who looked smugly triumphant, and a flicker of disdain crossed his eyes.

While the family squabbled over her, Calista maintained an air of victory, which was worlds apart from

Vivienne.

Carl was about to speak up for Vivienne when Judith suddenly cut in, “Enough! Calista is our child, and

the reunion will go ahead. The matter is settled, no more discussion.”

With that, she turned to Vivienne; her tone was suggesting a discussion but her stance left no room for

argument, “Vivienne, Calista is your sister. From now on, you two should get along.”

Realizing her tone might have been harsh, she took Vivienne’s hand and patted it gently, “The best

thing for our family is to live together, peacefully and securely.”

Vivienne looked at her with a semi-smile on her face but remained silent.

Calista quickly stepped forward and grasped Vivienne’s hand, “Vivienne, you can count on me. We’re

sisters now and I’ll treat you right.”

Her tone carried the pride of a victor.

Vivienne glanced down at her hand, now in Calista’s grasp, and walked over to a nearby table to pick

up a wet wipe. She calmly cleaned her hand that had been touched. Then, tossing the wipe into the

trash, her voice was cool and detached, “My mother only had one daughter, me. Don’t try to forge

connections; you’re not fit to be my sister!”

With that, she lifted her gaze, her eyes cold, “And another thing, don’t touch me again. It’s dirty!”

Calista’s face contorted with anger.

That damn Vivienne!

How dare she call her dirty? On what grounds?

She was the second daughter of the Brooks family and Vivienne should keep that in mind!

Calista composed herself, hiding her feelings, and said with a smile, “I know you must have

misunderstood my past actions, sister. I apologize, and I promise there will be no repeat. We’re family

after all.”

Vivienne gave her a glance but said nothing, taking a seat and adopting an indifferent air.

Scott, who had been silent since announcing the reunion for Calista, looked at Vivienne before

speaking, “I’ll consult the professionals to pick a date for the reunion. Once it’s settled, I’ll inform you

all. This decision is final; I don’t want to hear any more unpleasantness.”

With those words, Scott cemented the decision.

Kala, incensed, began to speak, “Scott…”

But a single glare from Scott silenced her; his eyes were filled with a threatening intent that startled her

into silence.

The rest of the Brooks family didn’t dare to object either.

Once the matter was decided, Judith turned to Percival, who had been silent throughout, “Percival, we

have some family matters to discuss. You may leave.”

Percival raised his gaze and gave Vivienne a sidelong look, “Alright.”

As an outsider, it surely wasn’t his place to be involved in the Brooks’ private affairs.

After Percival left, Judith returned to her seat and addressed the room, “There’s one more thing we

need to discuss.”

Everyone looked at her.

Her gaze lingered on Vivienne, who sat languidly with an air of nonchalance about her. Judith retracted

her gaze and got to the point.

“Mom, just say what you need,” Timothy urged.

Judith’s eyes fell on Vivienne once more, “It’s not a big deal, really. It’s just that Vivienne’s engagement

to Percival is to be called off.”

The announcement swept through the hall like a tempest.

Vivienne lifted her gaze. Her hands were resting on the chair’s arms and a smirk tugged at her lips.

Calista, sitting beside her, looked shocked but secretly thrilled. She would have a chance again once

the engagement was called off.

Kala was so stunned that she nearly lost her bearings.

It was Ronald Brooks who broke the silence first, “How can you do this? Vivienne and Percival, have

been in each other’s orbit for so long. How can we just call off the wedding like that?”

The younger members of the family, like Kala, all turned their eyes to Judith, waiting for her to shed

light on the situation.

Only the elders seemed unfazed, as if they had been expecting this turn of events.

Judith glanced at Vivienne, whose expression remained stoic, though a knowing smirk tugged at the

corner of her lips as if she held all the cards.Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated

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She pursed her lips before explaining to the family, “Your great-grandfather had struck a deal with the

elder Ellington to bind our families. That was, after three generations, the most outstanding

granddaughter of the Brooks family was to marry the heir of the Ellingtons.

Calista might have only recently been acknowledged, but she is undeniably the crème de la crème of

the Brooks’ granddaughters, and the Ellington heir is none other than Percival.”

As Judith unveiled the secret, a ripple of shock passed through the family.

This was news to them.

Judith turned her attention to Vivienne, “Vivienne, what do you make of all this?”

The moment the words left Judith’s mouth, she braced for Vivienne’s outrage.

Instead, Vivienne surprised everyone with a laugh. It was a wild, almost predatory laugh that sent

shivers down the spine.

She brushed her bangs back with a flourish and her voice was laced with mischief, “Well then, let’s call

it off!”