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.

Percival was about to fetch the car to drive Vivienne

and lunged at Vivienne

a flash of silver in the stranger’s hands as he strode forward. His brow instantly

“Vivienne Look out”

Percival’s but Dorian’s, who was trailing behind them As Percival shielded

swung his knife and slashed

soaking

“Oh my God“”

Cordelia’s legs turned to jelly, making her unable

signal, the Ellington bodyguards hidden in the shadows

the situation was

He then approached the stranger, his voice steady as he asked,

mouth shut,

talk? I have a hundred ways to make you

his finger the guards got the message. They bound the man, ready to take him away

like an invisible blade that

that man wish he was never

punishment was unbearable suffering

be prepared for the consequences He wouldn’t let anyone

“Right away, sir”

respectfully acknowledged Percival orders, then look

Donan Cordelia was frantically crouching beside Donan She was on

little injury won’t kill me As long as Visienne is salu, everything sa

Vivienne with a bit of guill etched on his faqe. Tm sorry Vivienne i couldn’t stand up for you

his confession with an impassive face. She only kelt annoyed

a decent man. Whenever the Hawthorn or Ellington fartuly tried to bully her, he

family and lusing his job. Donan never complained How could such a

Dorians wound which, although bipody, waunt

her dress

Save

had naked his ife to protect hat, yet

her eyes welled up with tears. We came to Riverwood because of