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.”

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

it’ll never be a peacock. Arabella, she’s

towards the stage, turning to Vivienne to say. “Sis, I know you’re nervous. Let me

Arabella decided everything on her own. Her face

for her?” Paul laughed. “Does she deserve

eyes narrowed. He was ready

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

Paul jumped. “Auntie.”

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Chapter 176

Cecilia demanded, “Don’t make me

part of the family, and

I embarrassing myself?” Paul protested, “Why is everyone siding with

with a stranger like you instead?” Cecilia’s tone was

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

to Arabella, who

was a misunderstanding!” Paul defended Arabella, who had

apologize to Vivienne or not?” Cecilia was done arguing

She’s just a hick! She doesn’t deserve

caught Thomas‘ eye

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

but Thomas was quicker. With a

from the pain as he clutched his dislocated jaw, pointing at Percival

cousin Paul to the

and dragged Paul out

for ten minutes, and Arabella hadn’t even lifted the lid of the piano yet when he