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 of being impolite and causing a

respond, Mike interrupted them, dawning a cold expression. “I’m not satisfied with my work at all. I’m canceling the show for

you

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

can’t stay up there forever, can you?”

like Vivienne looking down at her. She wanted her to come

the corner, who was trying to sneak away. “Do you remember

1/3

10:04 m

froze at the

head

you think of

I can’t think of a better design!” Mike gave Vivienne a thumbs–up

hear that?” Vivienne raised an eyebrow at Hazel.

only joking!” Hazel pleaded in

Charlotte laughed first. “You were so scornful just now. I didn’t think it was a joke at all.

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

do this?” Arabella looked

she let out a cold and

Arabella continued to plead softly, hoping that someone would speak up for her

sitting there, who would risk offending his fiancée for a

eyes narrowed. The cold glint

assertive tone.

with me.”

please talk to my sister.” Arabella looked helplessly at

on a bet with

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