The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 126

Cloudcrest High School auditorium.

Today was the scheduled day for Vivienne and Elijah’s fragrance blending competition. News about Vivienne, Percival’s fiancée, challenging the renowned Perfume Prince, Elijah, had

spread across the internet since his talk at Cloudcrest High.

Guests had flocked to the school, many drawn by the prospect of witnessing this unique

competition.

“Ms. Hawthorn.”

Vivienne had just arrived at the auditorium when she was met with a face full of malicious glee.

“And you are?” Vivienne asked, her brow knitting slightly. She couldn’t quite place the heavily made-up woman in front of her.

Stella forced a smile. “We met at Percival’s place.”

“Oh.” Vivienne remembered now, but dismissed the woman as insignificant. She was just about to step into the auditorium when Stella stopped her.

Stella’s face contorted for a moment, but she quickly regained her smugness. “Ms. Hawthorn, have you seen Cecilia? She invited me to accompany her today.”

She covered her mouth with her hand, feigning concern. “You really mustn’t lose too badly today. Cecilia doesn’t like you much as it is, and if you embarrass the Ellington family…”

“Vivienne!”

Stella was cut off as Cecilia spotted Vivienne from afar and hurried over.

She would have run if not for the need to maintain her ladylike demeanor. So she quickened her pace instead.

Vivienne’s hand, and warmly greeted her. “You finally

Percival had been delayed

Percival in greeting and then turned her attention back to Vivienne. “May I come closer to

with a touch of helplessness in his eyes. He knew that she loved antique perfumes,

every day, asking her to display her mother Evelyn’s collection at a small antique

Chapter 126

towards the auditorium,

humiliation as she remembered her earlier boast

disliked Vivienne

out, unwilling to

her with a frown on her face.

turned pale, then red out of embarrassment.

asked

glance at Stella from the corner of his

accompanied Vivienne into the auditorium,

the spectators were some genuine perfume enthusiasts, some Elijah’s fans, and a few drawn

Vivienne was an unknown entity Many believed that if it weren’t for her engagement to Percival, Elijah

only people supporting Vivienne were Percival, Cecilia, and the students

heavy academic load for seniors and the competition being held during school hours, Class

“Go, Ms. Vivienne!”

Elijah’s

crowd.

Charlotte, Faye, and Oberon, all from Class Eighteen, waving

newly appointed apprentice. Arabella had been granted special permission to

Vivienne’s, and she mouthed, “Sis, you’re going

the few days since becoming Elijah’s apprentice, Arabella had once again become the center of attention. Many

past misdeeds, as those trying to curry favor with her

it all in

servants.

of her past indiscretions still left a bitter taste

Chapter 126

heard whispers, she wondered if they were discussing that embarrassing scene of her kneeling before Vivienne and how she ended up

now. This only fueled her hatred for

and walked over