The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The room fell into a stunned silence.

How on earth was she back?

Was not she apprehended?

Vivienne glanced at Calista, her eyebrows lifting ever so slightly, a flash of imperceptible light crossing

her gaze.

Calista stood at the door, eyes sweeping over the assembled crowd before resting on Vivienne, who

seated in the corner. She marched over, her eyes locked with Vivienne’s, her teeth clenched as she

demanded, “Was it you?”

After a moment’s contemplation, she was sure this mess had nothing to do with her. Among everyone

in the Brooks family, Vivienne had been more at odds with her than anyone else.

With a languid ease, Vivienne reclined in her chair, her hands resting on the armrests, gazing coolly at

Calista.

Seeing her nonchalance, Calista grew even more infuriated. Her delicate face almost twisted in anger,

yet she struggled to maintain her composure. “I know you’re not thrilled about me becoming your sister,

but last night was the Brooks family’s feast! Your actions could put the entire Brooks family in the hot

seat. Did not you think about the consequences for our family?”

Her tone held the certainty that Vivienne was the culprit.

Watching the exchange, Judith frowned and interjected, “What’s going on here? Calista, how did you

come back? And what’s this about Vivienne being behind it?”

The capabilities of the Vanguard Agency were no secret to anyone in the room.

No one could walk out of there once taken.

“Grandma, they cleared me. I did not do it. But why would they come for me at the Brooks Mansion?

Someone must have been pulling strings,” Calista hinted with purpose.

All eyes shifted to Vivienne.

The infant virus trials were no minor affair. If Calista were to shoulder such an accusation, it would ruin

her life.

Calista believed Vivienne reported her to keep her away from Percival. She refused to believe Vivienne

had the power to command the Vanguard Agency.

It had to be a tip-off!

Judith turned her steely gaze to Vivienne, asking, “Is this true, Vivienne?”

The rest of the Brooks family awaited Vivienne’s response. This was no trivial matter. One mishandling

could destroy the Brooks family’s reputation.

Vivienne was one of their own, and they could not fathom her doing such a thing!

Only Scott looked on with a penetrating stare as if trying to see right through her.

But there she sat, unfazed, her expression unchanging even under the scrutinizing eyes of her family.

“No,” Vivienne said as she rose from her chair, her voice detached.

In truth, she was indeed the one responsible. She had almost confirmed what she needed to know.

Sending Calista to the Vanguard Agency was just to verify something.

But what was unexpected was Calista’s return.

The order to apprehend Calista had come directly from Percival. His men took Calista, with strict orders

that no one was to contact Calista.

And now, Calista had returned.

Vivienne’s eyes flashed coldly as she met Calista’s gaze, sending a shiver down her spine.

Calista felt a momentary cowardice. Remembering the terrifying small room and the humiliation of

being taken away in front of so many people, she felt an acute sense of dread.

“How could it not be you? You’re the only one who wouldn’t want me back in the Brooks family.

Vivienne, I know you hate me, but you can’t let our entire family be shamed. Can’t we let bygones be

bygones?” Calista tried to play on the family sentiment, stirring the emotions of the other Brooks family

members.

Scott stepped forward, his tone firm as he said, “Vivienne, if it was you, apologize to your sister.”

His voice was commanding yet probing.

Vivienne’s eyes twinkled, and she suddenly laughed, “Are you kidding, Mr. Brooks?”

Apologize?

What a joke!

Kala frowned upon hearing Scott’s words.

Vivienne had already denied any involvement, and yet Scott was demanding an apology based solely

on Calista’s word.

Was Karen not the love of his life?

Was Vivienne not his favorite child?

Why was it that now that Calista was back, everything changed?

Kala felt as if he did not know Scott anymore.

Seeing that the other elders also agreed with Scott, Kala hurriedly said, “Uncle, Vivienne said this has

nothing to do with her. Plus, these people didn’t say she did it either, did they? You can’t just make

Vivienne apologize based solely on Calista’s words. This is not fair to her. They’re both your

daughters.”

Scott’s icy gaze flickered toward Kala, silencing her with a chilling stare.

Ignoring Kala, Scott turned back to Vivienne, his expression unreadable.

Whether Vivienne was truly his daughter was still up for debate. Even though the multiple paternity

tests confirmed their relation, he had his doubts.

Even if she was his flesh and blood, her heart was cold, much like Karen’s.

He knew deep down that Vivienne was involved, but whenever he faced her clear, piercing eyes, he felt

his throat clenched, leaving him speechless.

Look at her!

Vivienne was even more formidable than Karen! She could unsettle one’s mind with just a look and a

mysterious smile.

Under the weight of her light words, he was rendered utterly mute.

Vivienne’s lips curled into a lazy smirk. “Mr. Brooks, do I still owe an apology here?”

Scott found himself at a loss for words, utterly unsure how to respond.

Kala did not hesitate to stand by Vivienne, clapping her on the shoulder in solidarity. “No apologies

necessary. You did not do anything wrong. Why should you say sorry?”

“Exactly. If anyone’s stirring the pot, it’s Calista. She must’ve done something to get herself noticed,

and that’s why she was taken. Vivienne, I’ve got your back!” Carl declared, raising his hands in a

gesture of trust, firmly aligning himself with Vivienne.

Looking at these people standing by Vivienne’s side, Calista’s heart burned with indignation.

Why, just why?

Vivienne had duped Carl before, yet there he stood, resolutely by her side. What kind of spell had

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In the midst of the tension, Judith stepped forward to smooth things over. “Enough, we’re all family

here. We should get along. Let’s put this matter to rest and not hold any grudges.”

After saying her piece, she took Calista by the hand, smiling reassuringly. “Calista, dear, make yourself

at home with the Brooks family. Tell me if you need anything, and I’ll be there for you.”

“Thank you, Grandma.”

But Calista was far from ready to let Vivienne off the hook. Approaching her, she said with a forced

benevolence, “Vivienne, if you don’t want to apologize, that’s fine. Grandma says we’re family, after all.

I forgive you. Let’s try to get along from now on.”

“Stay away from me,” Vivienne replied, her eyes brimming with distaste.

Judith’s expression soured. “Vivienne, Calista is now the second eldest young lady of this house, your

elder sister. How can you speak to her like that?”