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.”

tough woman. She had fought alongside Baron during the family feud. In the end, their efforts made the Brooks family the heads of the

petty games, and naturally,

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

This was her banquet!

was the star of the

Judith accused her of

her properly. Please don’t take it to heart.”

to Vivienne.

what then?” Vivienne’s eyes narrowed, her gaze on

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Chapter 177

hesitated. “I’ll make sure to

no need.” Vivienne’s gaze fell on Arabella as her lips curled into a smile. “Seeing as we’re kin, I’ll do the

the word ‘kin‘

Judith didn’t quite understand what she was up

she could react, Vivienne was already heading

crowd was taken aback, and they began to whisper

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

all knew that with Arabella’s impressive performance leading the way, unless Vivienne could match Debra’s skills,

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

that so?” Vivienne’s smile turned colder. “Then enjoy

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

grew up in the country dared

well Vivienne could play, she knew she could never surpass

excellent skills setting the bar, anything Vivienne played afterward would be

triumphant smirk slowly spread across her lips. However, it

her fingers, began to slowly play the black and white keys. A soft melody, slowly gaining momentum, filled the banquet

melody started as gentle as a morning breeze. It was like a calm stream, then it gradually quickened

this Rhapsody of Marland?” Melissa Brooks

that Vivienne was playing the renowned and notoriously difficult piece, Rhapsody

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