The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 172

Standing on the other side of Judith was Ashley, who began affectionately patting Arabella’s shoulder.

“Arabella, your stepsister Vivienne is quite impressive. She’s not at all like what you described.”

Arabella’s complexion changed. Her relationship with Vivienne had always been tense. Complimenting Vivienne was akin to criticizing her. Somehow, she managed to squeeze out a smile. “Yes. Who would have thought that Vivienne would be this remarkable?”

“Indeed, she is.” Judith looked at Vivienne with admiration, then turned to Arabella. “Since she’s your stepsister and represents your adoptive parents, why don’t you invite her down to meet us? I’d like to have a chat with her.”

“Of course, Grandma.” Arabella’s long lashes veiled the resentment and jealousy in her eyes, replacing them with a polite smile.

Beatrice, standing behind her, looked on with resentment. Vivienne was not only Arabella’s stepsister but also her granddaughter. Judith had praised Vivienne without even casting a glance at her, not even mentioning her once.

From the moment they had entered, Judith hadn’t bothered to introduce them to anyone.

Indeed, even after all these years, Judith still considered herself superior to everyone else.

But she would endure.

She had learned to bear in silence over the years. Whatever the Brooks family owed them, she would make sure that Judith and the rest paid it back, bit by bit.

“Sister, I would never have imagined that you were Master Charles.” Arabella approached the runway and looked up at Vivienne. “You’re truly amazing.”

She didn’t like talking to Vivienne from this angle. Looking up at her was humiliating.

Especially since Vivienne was standing in the spotlight, making her feel insignificant.

But she had already learned her lesson. She couldn’t fight back directly. Hence, she put on a perfect smile, making it seem like she and Vivienne were the closest of sisters, without any disagreements between them. “My grandma would like to have a chat with you.” Arabella maintained her smile. “And, sister, you’ve been standing on the stage for a while now. The show can’t go on unless you step down. We wouldn’t want to spoil everyone’s fun, would we?”

like she was accusing Vivienne of being

a cold expression. “I’m not satisfied with my

you my recent designs and finished pieces later.

at the back, was stunned. Was this the same Mike she knew,

up there

like Vivienne looking down at her.

gaze shifted to Hazel in the corner, who was trying to sneak away. “Do you remember what you said

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10:04 m

froze at the

her head right here on this runway and

think of my redesign?” Vivienne asked Mike

can’t think of a better design!”

Vivienne raised an eyebrow at Hazel.

I was only joking!” Hazel pleaded

didn’t think it was a joke at all. A bet is a bet. You should just go ahead and shave

and looked at Arabella

do this?” Arabella looked distressed. “We’re all sisters here. Why

hands on her hips, she let out a

is my banquet. Please, for my sake…” Arabella continued to plead softly, hoping that someone would

and with Percival sitting

say carries any weight.” Vivienne’s eyes narrowed. The cold glint in her gaze was nothing

but assertive tone. “No one has ever dared

with me.”

talk to my sister.” Arabella looked helplessly at

with my

seek Judith’s help. “Can you help Hazel? She’s a girl. If she’s humiliated in public, how can she face others in the