The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 177

A subtle smirk crossed Percival’s face as he realized his darling Vivienne could now feel jealous when it came to him.

“I’m not fond of you keeping secrets with other men either. Was that Debra whom you were exchanging glances with?”

“He’s just a friend.” Vivienne responded indifferently, offering no explanation.

Percival’s gaze shifted, sweeping over Scott, who was standing not far away. “The head of the Brooks family has been eyeing you as well.”

Vivienne’s cool gaze followed his, colliding with Scott’s stare.

Perhaps it was her icy expression that caused Scott, who was accustomed to others cowering before his authority as the long–standing head of the Brooks family, to look away. However, he couldn’t resist sneaking another glance.

For some reason, even though he had never met Vivienne, she seemed eerily familiar.

He thought he saw a shadow of Karen in her.

“Scott.” After noticing Scott’s continuous gaze on Vivienne, Beatrice began feeling a surge of anxiety. She stepped forward, trying to squeeze a smile onto her gloomy face, intentionally distracting him. “Arabella is about to take her college entrance exams. Have you discussed with her which university she’s considering?”

“She’s interested in Rivenwood University.” Scott politely responded. Engaged in conversation with Beatrice, his gaze finally left Vivienne and settled on Arabella on the stage.

Arabella, reaching the climactic part of her performance, abruptly lifted her hand. The room fell silent as the piano music dramatically halted. As Arabella stood up to bow, the crowd applauded generously.

The first thing Arabella did was look for Percival’s reaction, hoping her piano performance had moved him.

Regrettably, Percival’s attention was solely on Vivienne.

Biting her lower lip, she didn’t step down from the stage. Instead, she smiled towards Vivienne in the crowd. “Your turn, sister. I’m eagerly waiting for your gift.”

Everyone’s eyes turned to Vivienne, waiting for her response.

“Arabella.” Judith’s face fell. “If Ms. Hawthorn doesn’t wish to play, don’t pester her. It’s impolite.”

was a tough woman. She had fought alongside Baron during the family feud. In the end,

see through Arabella’s petty games, and naturally, she stepped in to

a bit pale. She hadn’t anticipated that Judith would publicly reprimand her

This was her banquet!

star

Judith accused her

our fault for not disciplining her

to Vivienne.

do mind, what then?” Vivienne’s eyes narrowed, her gaze on Judith was

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Chapter 177

sure to

curled into a smile. “Seeing as we’re kin, I’ll do the

the word ‘kin‘

didn’t quite understand what she

could react, Vivienne was already heading towards the

was taken aback, and they began to whisper

invitation. But now that Judith had stepped in to help her save dignity, why

performance leading the way, unless Vivienne could match Debra’s

onto the stage, feigning a mix of surprise and

Vivienne’s smile turned colder.

from the stage. She watched as Vivienne gracefully sat before the piano, testing the keys casually and

her audacity. A girl who grew up in the country dared

Vivienne could play, she knew she could never surpass

With her excellent skills setting

across her lips. However, it froze

began to slowly play the black and white keys. A soft melody, slowly

then it gradually quickened and intensified, transforming into a

of Marland?”

piano could recognize that Vivienne was playing the renowned and notoriously

was inspired to create the piece after experiencing a hurricane disaster and a