The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 281

Pival stood aside, listening to their familiar chatter with a look of utter displeasure on his face.

He had thought Aaron looked familiar from the moment he laid eyes on him, but he couldn’t quite place where he’d seen him before.

Now that Aaron and Vivienne were standing together, it became abundantly clear. The young man was practically a male carbon copy of Vivienne in his choice of attire

They were both clad in casual t–shirts and jeans, which was a stark contrast to the formal attire of everyone else at the banquet

Without having been told, one could easily mistake them for a couple. Their outfits were perfectly coordinated.

“Vivienne “Percival squeezed out through gritted teeth while draping an arm around Vivienne’s shoulders. Is this another one of your friends?”

The word ‘another was dripped with an undeniable hint of jealousy

How many other friends did she have that he didn’t know about?

And why were they all male friends?

Vivienne didn’t attempt to shake off Percival’s arm. She instead offered him a small, nonchalant laugh

“Yes. A friend” She confirmed

She then turned to Aaron, introducing Percival with a straightforward, “My fiancé.”

Percival was taken aback by her blunt honesty. He was pleasantly surprised that she had acknowledged him and their relationship so openly.

Feeling reassured by Vivienne’s acknowledgment, he tightened his hold around her and greeted Aaron with a beaming smile: “Nice to meet you. I’m Percival.”

His attitude towards Aaron did a complete 180, all thanks to Vivienne’s honesty

Aaron’s gaze darted between the pair as his eyes dimmed with an array of complex emotions

News of Vivienne and Percival’s engagement was not widely known. Only a select few within their inner circle were aware

The media had only reported on Percival’s engagement, describing his fiancé as a simple country girl.

The news of their engagement in Havenwood had been suppressed.

But Aaron knew. He knew that it was Vivienne who was engaged to Percival

taste spread through his

She needed to

didn’t measure up

he hadn’t expected her to take it so seriously now

the term ‘fiance felt like a thorn, pricking uncomfortably

and greeted Percival politely.

still

only eighteen

was just

easily pass

wanted to emphasize the age

and his

perceived victory, the cold intensity in Percival’s eyes stopped him dead in

sense of distance between them

of panic washed over Aaron as he quickly redirected his gaze to Vivienne, attempting to change the subject. Vivienne, about

was hoping for a definitive answer from Vivienne

disentangling herself from Percival’s arm

was considering his offer, Aaron’s spirits lifted It was as if

I promise to meet any conditions you have!” He

knew his promise didn’t hold much weight, but he wasn’t about

to his own interpretations. Meanwhile, Percival watched the exchange with a

especially after he had almost nabbed the last strawberry

or had taken it to impress Vivienne,

displeasure through Percival,

wouldn’t allow anyone to covet what was his. However, since it was something Vivienne had

Richard isn’t feeling

family reunion banquet was nearing its end. All formalities had been completed, and all necessary appearances had

Richard’s ailing health, there was no reason for him

“Drive Richard home”

off to carry

whole list of things he wanted to discuss with Vivienne, but given Percival’s presence, he had to tone it down. “Vivienne, everyone misses you. Why don’t we all get together for a meal next time?”

Yet Vivienne seemed oblivious to this, and she readily

at her response, and after a brief

to Percival “Mr.

been a long and tiring affair. It was filled with all sorts of drama, leaving her

tired, Percival immediately signaled to Leopold, intending