The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The unfolding drama gobsmacked the guests at the gathering.

Everyone’s mind was plastered with a big question mark.

What? What just happened?

Was not this supposed to be a family reunion feast?

Why was the guest of honor being carted off by the police?

Accused of endangering national security, no less?

The Brooks family was equally stunned, caught completely off-guard by these developments. At the

center of it all, Scott’s expression turned as dark as a thundercloud.

His gaze cut through the room to land on Vivienne, and a flicker of ice shot through his eyes.

So, this was the “surprise” she had talked about?

What on earth was she playing at?

Calista, about to be dragged out of the Brooks Mansion, struggled frantically. “Let me go! You’ve got

the wrong person! I’m innocent! Mom! Save me! I did not do it!”

But what could her slight frame do against the iron grip of the Vanguard Agency?

Each member of the Vanguard Agency was the cream of the crop.

Even the toughest guys from the GTO would not stand a chance once the Vanguard Agency had them

in their grasp, let alone Calista.

“Calista!” Mila snapped out of her shock and rushed to intercept the Vanguard Agency members.

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However, before she could get close, they pointed their guns at her. “Those who obstruct justice will be

taken away, too!”

Mila froze in her tracks, startled.

Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, Calista was taken away just like that.

The guests exchanged uneasy glances before excusing themselves one by one.

In no time, the Brooks Mansion was left with just the Brooks family and their close associates Richard,

Percival, and Leopold.

The Brooks were still reeling from the turn of events.

Who could have anticipated a family reunion turning into this?

Tomorrow’s headlines were going to explode! The Brooks family would be thrust into the spotlight once

again.

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With a cool detachment, Vivienne scanned the room and stood up. She patted Kala’s shoulder. “Let’s

go. Dinner is on me.”

“Huh?” Kala blinked in confusion.

How could Vivienne even think about food at a time like this?

Then it hit her. Why would she not be in the mood to eat?

Calista had been taken away, and it felt darn satisfying!

Thus, Kala stood up energetically and said to the others, “Seems we won’t be dining in tonight. Let’s hit

the town!”

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With the commotion, no one had touched the banquet food, and the household staff would handle the

cleanup.

The younger generation would only be underfoot here.

Darren had never been fond of Calista, and his focus was all on Vivienne. He was anxious about her

temper and worried she might teach him a lesson for what happened years ago. But seeing her in quite

a good mood, he trotted after her eagerly.

Carl did not waste a moment following suit.

After a brief silence, Ronald and Ashley stood up to join them.

Leopold had been itching to leave since Calista was apprehended but was wary of Percival’s looming

presence. Now, with Vivienne departing, he hurried after her. “Wait for me, Vivienne! I’m coming too!”

He sprinted off, not looking back.

Percival barely glanced at the Brooks family before leaving with Richard. He instructed Thomas to

escort Richard home while swiftly pulling Vivienne into his car.

Kala blurted out, “You heartless jerk…”

Percival’s eyes flicked up. “Follow my car.”

With that, he drove off with Vivienne, leaving the others in disarray.

What was going on?

Were these two not supposed to have called off their engagement?

Yet, they seemed as close as ever.

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Seeing Percival’s car disappearing into the distance, the group hurried to catch up.

The dining destination was Charisma Pavilion, a high-end, exclusive members-only restaurant with sky-

high prices that even the Brooks’ heirs could not afford to frequent regularly.

However, the food was undeniably delectable.

Upon arriving at the top-floor private room, everyone’s eyes widened.

Darren gasped. “Holy smokes! This is the Supreme VIP suite!”

Ashley added in a dull tone, “I heard this room is never open to the public, only to Supreme VIP card

owners. And there are only three such cards in existence!”

All eyes turned to Percival.

This guy was no wastrel of the Ellington family. He was a hidden gem!

They followed Percival in, only to be met by the manager of Charisma Pavilion. “Percival! You’ve

arrived?”

The manager never personally attended to guests; that was a job for his assistants. Yet, here he was,

addressing Percival by his first name.

What was going on?

“Yes.” Percival leaned back in his chair, one hand entwined with Vivienne’s, the other resting on the

table. His voice was cool and detached. “These are my friends. Take good care of them.”

“Of course, Percival!” After the manager gave his orders, he left.

Silence enveloped the room.

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Kala and the others glanced back and forth between Vivienne and Percival, a hundred unasked

questions hanging in the air.

Percival looked unapproachable, exuding an intimidating aura that silenced any potential queries.

Ashley risked a glance at Percival, heart pounding, before quickly averting her gaze.

Soon, the food arrived.

Charisma Pavilion’s signature dishes had everyone salivating.

Percival deftly poured wine for his guests, then raised his glass with aristocratic grace. “I’d like to

extend my deepest gratitude for the kindness you’ve all shown to dear Vivienne. A toast to you all!”

The Brooks family scrambled to lift their glasses and clink them against Percival’s in a chorus of tinkles.

After the drinks were sipped, the younger Brooks exchanged puzzled glances.

What was with this sudden change?

They had interacted with Percival before without a shred of tension, but today, they felt as jittery as a

bunch of mice in a cat’s presence.

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Finally, unable to resist the tantalizing spread of food before them and too hungry to ponder further,

they all began to eat voraciously. They had been running on empty since breakfast, after all.

Percival, ever the gentleman, served Vivienne a helping of food with a tender voice, “Vivienne, eat your

fill.”

Vivienne shot him a playful smile. “And if I get fat, will you take responsibility?”

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His eyes twinkled with mirth. “Of course, I’ll take care of you!”

“That’s a deal, Mr. Wolf. But first, I want my 100 billion dollars back,” Vivienne extended her hand, her

eyes curving into crescents.

Percival was momentarily speechless. Since when did one return a gift?

But then, firmly…

“No returns!” He said sternly.

Vivienne’s face fell.

Where was his chivalry now?

With a slight cough to mask his embarrassment, Percival offered a compromise. “The team’s been a bit

short on funds lately. Consider it a loan. I’ll give you back 120 billion in a month.”

Vivienne’s eyes sparkled. “Now that’s an offer I can’t refuse.”Books Chapters Are Daily Updated Join &

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A net profit of 20 billion dollars!

The Brooks family members were dumbfounded once again.

Were these two just having a laugh at their expense?

Just then, Percival nonchalantly served a portion onto Leopold’s plate with a deeper smile. “Leopold,

you must try this pork steak. It’s exquisite!”

Leopold froze.

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Oh, no!

Was he being sized up for the slaughter?

Suddenly, he felt a chill run down his spine and dropped to his knees with a thud. “Percival, I beg your

forgiveness!”

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