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.

Stella’s shock, Cecilia briskly approached, took Vivienne’s hand, and warmly

Percival had been delayed by a few elder

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

He knew that she loved antique perfumes, but he hadn’t realized

had been pestering Vivienne every day, asking her to display her mother Evelyn’s collection at a small antique perfume exhibition in Rivenwood whenever

Chapter 126

trio continued towards the auditorium, completely ignoring

her cheeks burn with humiliation as she remembered her earlier boast

disliked Vivienne

out, unwilling

her with a frown on

turned pale, then red out

Cecilia asked but

glance at Stella from

accompanied Vivienne into the auditorium, greeting many familiar

fans, and a few drawn by the allure of the Ellington family name. None

figure in the industry, whereas Vivienne was an unknown entity Many believed that if it weren’t for

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

academic load for seniors and the competition being held during school hours, Class Eighteen was granted permission to attend and cheer for their

“Go, Ms. Vivienne!”

under Elijah’s disdainful gaze, cheers emerged

crowd.

all from Class Eighteen, waving at her

them sat a grim-looking Arabella, Elijah’s newly appointed apprentice. Arabella had been granted special permission

and she mouthed,

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

up her past misdeeds, as those trying to curry

hand, took it all in stride, bossing everyone around as if they were

servants.

indiscretions still left a bitter taste in

Chapter 126

discussing that embarrassing scene of her

now. This only

withdrew her gaze and walked