The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 178

Ashley’s words cut straight to Arabella’s heart, stepping on her sore points.

Arabella’s face turned a ghastly green, while Judith, standing next to her, apologized, “Arabella, I misunderstood you before. I thought you were trying to make things difficult for your sister.”

This apology was sincere, but Arabella felt like she was going to spit blood.

She had laid all the groundwork just to make things difficult for Vivienne, but who could have guessed that it would turn into a stage for Vivienne to show off her talent?

“Vivienne sure plays the piano beautifully.” Melissa said in surprise. “I wonder who she learned from. With such piano skills, why has she been so low–key?”

She couldn’t understand. She herself was quite accomplished on the piano, and to her ears, Vivienne played even better than Debra.

In fact, it reminded her of someone else.

Scott looked at Vivienne with complex emotions. The spotlight on the stage enveloped her, making her silhouette appear both real and ethereal. He could see Karen in her again.

He had once listened to Karen play Rhapsody of Marland. Like Vivienne, she sat in front of the piano with intense concentration, as if nothing else in the world could disturb her.

“Your granddaughter is quite a catch, Aunt Beatrice.” Timothy said, praising Vivienne to Beatrice.

Beatrice sneered, her gaze sweeping over Judith and Scott.

Every time she heard someone praising Vivienne, it was like a stab in the heart, as if they were reminding her of how blind she had been.

Arabella felt even worse. She had showcased her piano skills, but instead of earning a single word of praise from the Brooks family, they had started praising Vivienne in front of her.

But she had to keep her feelings under wraps. She forced a smile and said, “Indeed, my sister plays the piano wonderfully.”

Her eyes drifted to Percival, who was looking at Vivienne with admiration. The affection in his eyes was so thick that anyone could see it.

Cecilia, standing beside Percival, was listening to Vivienne’s piano playing with a dreamy look on her face. Suddenly, she sighed and said, “Son, what are we going to do? I’m a bit worried.”

her quietly, waiting

might not be good enough

wasn’t that she was belittling her son. It was just that Vivienne was shockingly outstanding.

her piano skills alone would probably attract

same way.” Isolde said, counting on her fingers to

designer, and a double major doctorate. And she

looked up at Percival innocently. “Brother, what else can you do besides cooking better

Percival fell silent.

wasn’t good

713

Chapter 178

No way!

to shoulder with her and

up and walked

every move he made attracted everyone’s gaze. Now everyone was

exchanging a glance with her, Vivienne moved slightly to make room for him. The rhythm of her playing

and placed them on the black and white

who had experienced disaster and love. When Vivienne was playing alone, the melody was

pursuit in a storm

waves.

the

god!” Someone exclaimed. “This is the first time I’ve heard the Rhapsody of Marland played

Mr. Ellington could

good enough for

for how they look together.

“Equals!”

only spotlight in the room shone on them. They

it seemed as if they were two

came up to join the fun, Vivienne thought about slowing down the

that not only could he keep up with her rhythm, but his every note and every emotional expression was in perfect

With just one glance, she fell into the deep affection in his eyes, and her heart started to beat

look they exchanged stung Arabella, who was standing below the stage. She couldn’t help but imagine herself sitting next to Percival, playing a duet with