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.”

family feud. In the

could see through Arabella’s petty games, and naturally, she stepped in to protect Vivienne, her

hadn’t anticipated that Judith would publicly reprimand her

This was her banquet!

the star of the

accused her of

our fault for not disciplining her properly. Please don’t take it to heart.” Judith

to Vivienne.

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

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Chapter 177

“I’ll make sure to discipline her properly

need.” Vivienne’s gaze fell on Arabella as her lips curled into a smile.

emphasized the word

quite understand what she was up

could react, Vivienne was

and they began

reluctant to accept Arabella’s invitation. But now that Judith

Arabella’s impressive performance leading the way, unless Vivienne

watched Vivienne step onto the stage, feigning a mix of surprise and delight. “I knew

Vivienne’s smile turned colder. “Then enjoy

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

girl who grew up in the country dared to play the piano after her performance,

matter how well Vivienne could play, she knew she could

why she chose to perform first. With her excellent skills setting the bar, anything Vivienne played

her lips.

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

it gradually quickened and

Rhapsody of Marland?” Melissa

of piano could recognize that Vivienne was playing the renowned and

after experiencing a hurricane