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 efforts made the Brooks family the heads of

games, and naturally, she stepped in

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

This was her banquet!

was the star of

yet, Judith accused her

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

to Vivienne.

I do mind, what then?” Vivienne’s eyes

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Chapter 177

hesitated. “I’ll make sure to discipline her properly

no need.” Vivienne’s gaze fell on Arabella as her lips curled into a smile. “Seeing

the

understand

Vivienne was already heading towards

aback, and they began to whisper

reluctant to accept Arabella’s invitation. But now

way, unless Vivienne could match Debra’s skills,

step onto the stage, feigning a mix

smile turned colder.

with embarrassment. She clenched her teeth and descended from the stage. She watched as

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

could play, she knew she could never

was precisely why she chose to perform first. With her excellent skills

slowly spread across her lips. However, it froze in the next

having loosened her fingers, began to slowly play the black and white keys. A soft melody, slowly

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

of Marland?” Melissa

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

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