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.

into her pockets. I heard you were barely nineteen when you drugged your husband–to–be, got pregnant, and marched over

of her husband, Mark Miller, was no secret. Many remembered her tantrums in the

harassment of

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

flushed with embarrassment. She hadn’t expected Vivienne to be aware of her

the top of the stairs, rushing to his mother’s side with

Vivienne

darkened at the audacity Would he dare lay a

caught the man’s wrist in mid–air, twisting it

man screamed

go of my son! Paula shrieked and lunged at

to collapse in pain, she addressed Paula “What was it you said? The sins of the father fall upon the child? By that logic,

not known for my gentle touch She stated nonchalantly f he ends up

She would never let anyone walk over her. She seemed to be enjoying stirring

from Vivienne froze her in her tracks. The threat in Vivienne’s eyes was clear

expression

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

came as a shock to