The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 237

Percival’s countenance cooled. He stepped forward to stand protectively beside Vivienne, his gaze hardening as he turned to Paula His presence radiated an icy threat.

“Scott” Percival’s voice cut through the tension. It seems the Brooks family isnt too thrilled about Vivienne’s return.”

Paula was well aware of who Percival was, but his engagement to Vivienne was a secret kept within the confines of Havenwood, and so their relationship was not well known in Rivenwood

“Percival, since when do the Ellingtons meddle in our family matters? Have you taken a shine to this little minx?” Paula’s eyes switched between Vivienne and Percival as a cold smirk appeared on her lips. Look at you, barely out of pigtails and already leading men on Quite the precocious one, aren’t you?”

“Paula‘ Judith’s stern rebuke echoed Watch your tongue! Mr. Ellington is Vivienne’s betrothed!”

Paula’s expression wavered Bitterness began lacing her words as she shot a glance at Scott. Your daughter sure is lucky. She reeled in such a catch”

That’s enough!” Scott’s patience had worn thin if you have a problem with me, then take it up with me. Leave Vivienne out of it!”

“Oh, haven’t you heard of the phrase, the sins of the father fall upon the child?” Paula retorted. “Your daughter returns to a life of comfort and an engaged man, while my own has been missing for fourteen years! Why does your daughter get it all?”

Scott was at a loss for words For years, his sister, Paula, had used this argument to chastise him.

He felt guilt and resentment, but Vivienne should not be the one to bear the brunt of it.

you drugged your husband–to–be, got pregnant, and marched over to the Miller

fell into an awkward silence. Paula’s manipulation of her husband, Mark Miller, was no secret. Many remembered her tantrums in

her relentless harassment

the first time the truth about Paula drugging Mark was spoken out loud, even if

face flushed with embarrassment. She hadn’t expected Vivienne to

you speak to your aunt like this?” A young man appeared at the top of the stairs, rushing to his

Vivienne

darkened at the audacity Would he dare lay

he could react, Vivienne had already caught the man’s wrist in mid–air, twisting it

The young man

of my son! Paula shrieked and

the man’s wrist but instead increasing the pressure. After causing him to collapse in pain, she addressed Paula “What was it you

arm at an unnatural angle, his excruciating pain was evident. “However, I’m not known for my gentle touch She stated nonchalantly f he ends up injured, please don’t hold it against

let anyone walk over

at Vivienne again, but one look from Vivienne froze her in her tracks. The threat in Vivienne’s eyes was clear Touch her, and her

with a resentful expression “You’re just going to let her

“You were the one who insulted Vivienne first, but he attacked his own cousin without any reason

as