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.”

looked at her quietly, waiting

feel like you might not be

that she was belittling her son. It

skills alone would

the same way.” Isolde said, counting on her fingers to Percival. “Vivienne is a doctor,

a double major doctorate. And

looked up at Percival innocently. “Brother, what else can

Percival fell silent.

good

713

Chapter 178

No way!

to shoulder with her and win

up and

center of attention, and every move he made attracted

After exchanging a glance with her, Vivienne moved slightly to make room for

his hands and placed them on the black and white keys, playing a duet with Vivienne,

by a composer who had experienced disaster and love. When Vivienne was playing alone, the melody was like one person’s

a pursuit in a storm and

waves.

that Vivienne’s and Percival’s fingers were dancing on the black and white keys. They

exclaimed. “This is the first time I’ve heard

Ellington could

for Mr. Ellington, but I

there’s a word for how

“Equals!”

the room shone on

they were two people with one soul, so

up to join

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

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

stage. She couldn’t help but