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?”

Vivienne

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

smile. “Charles, I’ll send you my recent designs and finished pieces later. I’d

stunned. Was this the same Mike she knew, who always acted aloof

stay up

Vivienne looking down at her. She wanted her to come

one matter left unresolved.” Vivienne’s gaze shifted to Hazel in the corner, who was trying to sneak away.

1/3

10:04 m

the edge of the

head

you think of my redesign?” Vivienne

better design!” Mike gave Vivienne a thumbs–up

hear that?” Vivienne raised an eyebrow at Hazel. “Hazel, a bet

was only joking!” Hazel pleaded

didn’t think it was a joke at all.

and looked at Arabella for help. “Arabella, help me;

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

hips, she let out a

Arabella continued to plead softly, hoping

with Percival sitting there, who would risk offending his fiancée for a

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

assertive tone. “No one has ever dared to default on

with me.”

sister.” Arabella looked

can default on a bet with my fiancée.” Percival’s

but to 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