The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 322

Vivienne shot Dorian a frosty glance without uttering a word.

However, Richard was not one to keep his thoughts to himself. “Dorian, if you were so concerned, you should’ve set Paul straight from the get–go. You didn’t utter a single word before What’s holding you back?”

Dorian was left speechless by that blunt comment. With the situation taking a sour turn, Cordelia quickly intervened. “We’re outsiders after all. It’s not our place to meddle in the Ellingtons‘ family affairs. We thought that with Percival and Richard on her side, Vivienne surely wouldn’t be bullied*

“Really?” Richard responded in a suggestive tone. I’m tired. I’m off to get some rest. You all can stay a bit longer

Quick to reject the invitation. Donian said, “No need Thank you for your hospitality, Richard We don’t want to overstay our welcome”

Having said that, he naturally wouldn’t insist on staying

Percival slung his arm around Vivienne’s shoulder. “‘Tll walk you out ”

Vivienne glanced at him and smiled “Sure”

Percival was silent throughout the incident, but Vivienne could sense his anger She knew he was holding back out of respect for Richard That was the only reason he was refraining from taking action against Paul

But in the end, he couldn’t resist

That kick certainly did a number on Paul

Percival and Vivienne led the way, when Donan and Cordelia awkwardly followed behind them, their expressions subtly changing

As the dinner progressed, they exposed their true colors.

Vivienne was deliberately testing them, and everyone else was there to watch the drama unfold

“What do we do now? Cordelia lowered her voice as she shot Dorian a meaningful glance

Donan didn’t utter a word His gaze was fixed on Vivienne, who was just a few feet away.

If he didn’t act soon, he feared.

the car to drive Vivienne and the others

lunged

flash of silver in the stranger’s hands as he strode

“Vivienne Look out”

behind them As Percival shielded Vivienne, Dorian lunged forward, tackling the

swung his knife and slashed

soaking his

“Oh my God“”

into a panic Cordelia’s legs turned to

bodyguards hidden in the shadows emerged and swiftly subdued

two minutes, the situation was

approached the stranger, his voice steady as

stranger clamped his mouth shut,

to talk? I

his finger the guards got the message. They bound the

invisible blade that sliced the mans skin “Go easy on him”

that man wish he was never born

greatest punishment

should be prepared for the consequences He wouldn’t let anyone off who had malicious intentions

“Right away, sir”

orders, then look the stranger away

crouching beside Donan She was on the verge of tears. “You’re

blood loss, Dorian reassured her “Tm okay A little injury won’t kill me As long as Visienne is salu,

guill etched on his faqe. Tm sorry Vivienne i couldn’t stand up for you when the Ellingtona werę

his confession with an impassive face.

Whenever the Hawthorn or Ellington fartuly tried to bully her, he would

the Hawthorn family and lusing his job. Donan never

which,

from her dress and bandaged his wound to stop the

Save

cold response from Vivienne He had naked his ife to protect hat,

really cares about you” Cordelia added as her eyes welled up with tears. We came to Riverwood because of you. He wanted to