The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 176

Vivienne shot Helen a half–smile that brought back vivid memories of her recent stage fright. The mernory was so powerful that it stole the words right out of Helen’s mouth.

“Sis,” Arabella said, looking at Vivienne with pleading eyes. “I know I’ve never been a real sister to you, but all I want is to hear you play the piano once. Is that too much to ask?”

“You…” Vivienne’s demeanor turned icy, “aren’t worthy.”

She was so harsh that they drew furrowed brows from the surrounding crowd, particularly from the Hawthorn clan. Aside from Judith, Scott, and Ashley, everyone seemed irate at Vivienne’s cold treatment of Arabella.

After all, Arabella was now the heiress of the Brooks family. Regardless of past quarrels, Vivienne’s public humiliation of her seemed uncalled for.

“Vivienne, if you can’t play, just admit it. There’s no need to put on a show.” A brash male voice echoed from the crowd.

Percival’s brow furrowed as he turned to face the source of the disruption. It was Paul, whose face was begging to be punched.

The last beating hadn’t been enough. Richard had specifically called him back to Rivenwood to keep him away from Arabella, and yet here he was.

“Arabella.” Paul stepped forward, presenting her with a gift. “I hope you like it.”

Arabella opened the small box to reveal a one–carat diamond necklace. On any other day, such a gift would have thrilled her. But in the presence of Vivienne’s Ophelia’s Heart, it seemed less impressive.

“I love it.” She said. Her voice was hollow, but her face was beaming as she put on the necklace. She then turned to Vivienne with a look of disappointment. “Sis, won’t you really give me this gift?”

The more Vivienne refused to perform, the more Arabella grew certain that she couldn’t play. This made her all the more determined to force Vivienne on stage, make her embarrass herself, and highlight her own

talents.

“Ha!” Paul scoffed. “She’s just a country bumpkin. What would she know about playing the piano? Arabella, you’re wasting your time.”

found some agreement among the crowd. However, after the recent runway incident. and the

never be a peacock. Arabella, she’s no match for

turning to Vivienne to say. “Sis, I know you’re nervous. Let me go first and warm up the audience.

on her own. Her face was

are you warming up for her?” Paul laughed. “Does

eyes narrowed. He was

steered her daughter, Isolde, through the crowd towards him. Her eyes

Paul jumped. “Auntie.”

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Chapter 176

demanded, “Don’t make me tell your mother how

the family, and she wouldn’t

“Why is everyone siding with this

daughter–in–law. Should I side with a stranger like you instead?” Cecilia’s

terrible taste!” Isolde chimed in while pointing at Arabella. “That woman took credit for my recovery

turned to Arabella,

defended Arabella, who had previously duped

or not?”

a hick! She doesn’t deserve to

eye from across the

Ellington,” Thomas interrupted Paul, “you’ve got something on your

wipe his chin, but Thomas was quicker. With a sharp

he clutched his dislocated jaw, pointing at Percival and Thomas while making

Paul to the hospital.” Percival

responded instantly and dragged Paul out of the

barely been at the party for ten minutes, and Arabella hadn’t even lifted the lid of the piano yet