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.”

had fought alongside Baron during the family feud. In the end, their

petty games, and naturally, she stepped in to protect

hadn’t anticipated that Judith would publicly reprimand her to protect

This was her banquet!

star of

accused her of

her properly. Please

to Vivienne.

what then?” Vivienne’s

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Chapter 177

“I’ll make sure to discipline her properly when we get

as her lips curled into a smile. “Seeing as we’re kin,

emphasized the word

quite understand what she

could react, Vivienne was already heading towards the

was taken aback, and

had initially assumed Vivienne couldn’t play the piano since she was reluctant to accept Arabella’s invitation. But

the way, unless Vivienne could match Debra’s skills, she would only end up being a

Arabella watched Vivienne step onto the stage, feigning a mix of surprise and delight. “I knew you’d grant

turned colder. “Then enjoy

embarrassment. She clenched her teeth and descended from the stage. She watched as Vivienne gracefully sat before the piano, testing the keys

her audacity. A girl who grew up in the country dared to play the piano after her performance, a national award

play, she knew she could never

excellent skills setting the

lips. However, it froze in the next

slowly play the black and white keys. A soft melody, slowly gaining momentum,

melody started as gentle as a morning breeze. It was like a calm stream, then it gradually quickened and intensified, transforming into a roaring storm and raging tides, resonating in the ears and hearts of

Rhapsody of Marland?” Melissa

of piano could recognize that Vivienne was playing the renowned and notoriously difficult piece, Rhapsody

inspired to create the piece after experiencing a hurricane disaster and a passionate love affair during his trip to