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?”

seemed like she was accusing Vivienne of

Mike interrupted them, dawning a cold expression. “I’m not satisfied with my work at

you my recent designs and

Was this the

up

at her. She wanted her

the corner, who

1/3

10:04 m

froze at the edge

that if Mike praised Vivienne’s redesign, she would shave her head right

do you think of my redesign?”

of a better design!” Mike gave Vivienne a thumbs–up without

an eyebrow at Hazel. “Hazel, a bet is a

I was only joking!” Hazel

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

head vehemently and looked at Arabella for help. “Arabella, help me; I don’t want to

Arabella looked distressed. “We’re all sisters here. Why make a

hips, she let out

Please, for my sake…” Arabella continued to plead softly, hoping that someone would speak up

and with Percival sitting there,

carries any weight.” Vivienne’s eyes narrowed. The cold glint in

in a light but assertive tone. “No one has ever dared to

with me.”

to my sister.” Arabella looked helplessly

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

help. “Can you help Hazel? She’s