The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 179

Vivienne and Percival descended the stage under the awe–inspired gazes of the crowd.

Vivienne walked up to Arabella with her chin slightly raised in a defiant stance. “Did you like the gift I gave you?”

Arabella’s hands clenched into fists, and her eyes burned with jealousy and rage. This was supposed to be her banquet, yet Vivienne had stolen the spotlight.

Why?

Why did she always have to lose to Vivienne?

Feeling everyone’s gaze, Arabella forced out a strained smile. “I love it. I didn’t know you could play the piano so well. Why didn’t you ever mention it? If I’d known, I would’ve suggested Grandma send you abroad to study. Why waste your time teaching at Cloudcrest High School?”

“Heh.” Vivienne chuckled. Her laugh showcased her unapologetic arrogance. “Why would I need to tell you anything?”

Arabella’s expression froze. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at Vivienne with a hurt expression. “Why do you hate me so much, Vivienne? We’re sisters!”

Vivienne brushed her hair, which had fallen over her ears, behind them. Her luxurious gown accentuated her allure. “I used to tolerate you for the sake of Dorian, but that doesn’t mean you can walk over me.”

Vivienne looked up. Her cold eyes were full of indifference. “My mother only had me. I don’t have a sister. Don’t try to establish a relationship with me. I don’t easily connect with people.”

Arabella seethed with hatred, but on the surface, she looked pitiful.

After seeing this, Paul’s protective instincts kicked in. He yelled at Vivienne, “Vivienne, enough is enough! This is Arabella’s party… uh…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Paul was silenced.

Everyone stepped back.

It was safer to stay away from Vivienne. One wrong move, and you could find yourself incapacitated.

Vivienne casually slipped the remaining silver needle into her hair. She glanced at Paul and spoke in an indifferent tone. “Don’t yell in front of me again. I hate the sound of barking. If there’s a next time, you can kiss your mouth goodbye.”

With that said, Vivienne pulled Percival closer with her gaze fixed on Arabella. “Look closely. He is my man! Remember his face. Don’t reach out too far, or you might lose your status as the Brooks family’s heiress.”

Percival raised an eyebrow, looking at Vivienne in surprise.

Little by little, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

finally come to

knew how to

Hmm!

way she declared her territory

party,

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Even though she was Master Q, the perfumer, and Charles, the fashion designer,

could she threaten

know what she was

at the Brooks family. The matriarch, Judith, had no expression on her face; her

expressionless, only the rest of the

you!” Arabella’s face twitched with

Damn Vivienne!

she belittle her in front of

Arabella a glance.

“Arabella, don’t bother sending invitations

turned to look at Judith, hoping she would stand up

gaze and walked

devoid of

ran deep in her bones. The last time Vivienne saved her, although she was

it because

thinking of what Arabella had done in Havenwood, Judith’s

life. Today seemed like a good

hard to find, but out

watched, wide–eyed. She had thought Judith was standing up for her, but instead, she was asking for Vivienne’s address to

It was ridiculous!

Truly ridiculous!

was obscured by the shadows. After a moment, she looked up and spoke in a serious and cold manner. “Judith, if I knew you were the matriarch of the

aback. “Why

ignored her and turned to Percival. “I’m

slender hand.

them left under

was indifferent and cold. “Judith, you don’t need to invite me to your granddaughter’s

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10:07

Chapter 179

she

the familial reunion banquet thrown