The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

When Alyssa saw her, it was like spotting a lifeline in the midst of a storm.

Falling to her knees at Hailey's feet, she burst into tears.

"Please, Aunt Hailey, you have to help us. Winston was granddad's pride and joy, and now he's in the hospital fighting for his life. They're refusing to take responsibility, and I just didn't know where else to turn..." Through her sobs, Alyssa laid it all out-the car accident, Winston's critical condition.

And she didn't hesitate to lay the blsquarely at Vivienne's feet.

Hailey's gaze turned icy as she looked towards Vivienne, then back to Alyssa, "The Linklaters always face up to their problems. If your brother's in trouble because of Vivienne, you can bet we won't stand by." Brianna breathed a sigh of relief, throwing a smug look at Vivienne, "Finally, someone from the Wright family makes sense." Arthur's face darkened, ready to explode, but then Vivienne spoke up, "Dad, let's not waste our breath. If we need to sue, we'll sue. If we need to report this, we'll report it." Arthur blinked in surprise, "Vivienne, what did you call me?" After a moment's eye contact, she repeated, "Dad, your hearing's just fine." Arthur couldn't help but grin, quickly stepping aside to make scalls.

He wanted everyone to know his daughter had finally called him 'Dad'.

But, another lawsuit? Seems like just yesterday Vivienne had taken the Abernathy family to court, and both they and the Grimshaws had fallen from grace.

Was his daughter plotting another big move? Vivienne: ...Not this time.

Then, locking eyes with Sasha, Vivienne spoke calmly, "Mom, didn't the hospital say Winston's condition was improving? Maybe we should pay him a visit, just in case he wakes up. It'd be good to have a police report." Alyssa and Brianna exchanged a worried look.

Winston couldn't survive.

An unknown grandchild, cherished by Hunter, had no place in the Wright family.

Especially now. If he lived, it spelled doom for them.

As Vivienne left, she threw a parting shot at Hailey, "Dear aunt, sfolks just can't seem to live a peaceful life. Usually means they won't be living much longer." Hailey was fuming but Vivienne had already driven off.

Arthur and Sasha entered the house, serene. This was Vivienne's fight now.

Left in the cold were Alyssa and Brianna, unsettled by Vivienne's words.

With the crowd dispersing, Brianna whispered urgently to Alyssa, "What's going on? You said Winston wouldn't last much longer in the hospital, and now he's waking up?" Alyssa frowned, "I overheard his doctor. He shouldn't be waking up this soon." Brianna panicked.

She was just dragged into this mess by Alyssa's scheming.

If the truth cout, she'd be dragged down too.

She wasn't about to take the fall for this, "So what do we do now? We need to sort this out before granddad finds out. If Winston wakes up, we won't be able to talk our way out of this..." Feeling uncertain, Alyssa knew Vivienne's capabilities. Despite Winston's grave injuries, Vivienne had managed to save him. Who's to say she didn't have smiracle drug to keep him alive? Deciding on a plan, Alyssa instructed Brianna to go back, "You keep an eye on granddad's news. I'll check the hospital myself." Brianna nodded vigorously, "Okay, I'll let you know the moment I hear anything." On her way to the hospital, Alyssa called Robbie, "Brother, Winston's showing signs of waking. What do we do?" After a brief silence, Robbie replied, "Remember that medicine I gave you?" A dark understanding flashed in Alyssa's eyes, "Got it, brother." Meanwhile, Vivienne was with Cecilia, planning a simple shopping trip that turned into an all-day extravaganza.

Jewelry and dresses, even lingerie, Cecilia spared no expense, claiming, "It's for the newlyweds. Got to keep things exciting." Vivienne was speechless.

Mother-in-law picking out risqué lingerie was definitely a first for Rivenwood.

Thankfully, Draven's call gave her an escape, "Ma'am, the switch at the hospital is done as you instructed." "Keep a close eye on her!" After hanging up, Cecilia paused in her shopping spree, looking concerned, "Vivienne, did I hold you up? If you have things to do, we can. stop here. Anything else you need, we can get another time." Vivienne forced a smile, "It's okay, let's call it a day." Leaving Cecilia to her car, Vivienne drove towards the hospital.

On the way, Percival called, briefing her on the situation and coordinating their next steps.

Leopold, driving for Percival, tried to fish for details but was swiftly cute off, "Focus on driving, unless you t Griffin to hear about this." W? Leopold fell silent, realizing ssecrets were best kept under wraps.

"Percival,e on, man. Haven't I repaid my debt to you? Plus, I've been taking the heat from the guys for you, and I didn't even make a big deal out of it. You could at least givescredit for the effort." "Yeah." "So, what's the big secret with your plans? Can't you givea heads up?" Leo asked in a hushed tone.

Percival cracked an eye open, "You wanna know?" Leo's eyes widened, "Of course, I do. I've got a real job, you know. If it weren't for all these dirty, exhausting tasks lately, I'd be..." Suddenly, Percival handed over his phone, "It's Griffin calling." Leo was puzzled, "What?" As he saw the iing call on the screen, Leo's prepared speech stumbled, "You, why are you callingall of a sudden..." Griffin sounded confused, "What do you mean 'why am I calling you'? You're the one who called me!" "Me?" Leo was taken aback, still trying to process when Griffin pressed, "Leo, why aren't you speaking? Are you trying to dodgeagain?" Leo replied, "I'm not avoiding you." Griffin said, "Alright, thene over to my place. I need to talk to you." Leo hesitated, "Uh?" Griffin added, "You've got thirty minutes. If you don't show up, I swear I'll blow up your house." Leo was speechless, "..."