The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne stood off to the side, observing the scene with a displeased furrow in her brow.

She spoke softly to the staff member, "Could you please bring the paperwork? I'll sign it now, and if there's anything else, you can contact me later."

The staff member, having no other choice and facing such an unreasonable person, nodded in agreement.

It was then that Brianna noticed Vivienne, her voice dripping with scorn, "Standing outside the Century Mall, munching on street food, and you think you can afford a custom ring from Promise?" Vivienne's gaze darkened, the atmosphere growing tense as she coldly replied, "Eating street food means I can't afford a diamond ring?"

The staff member, too, was taken aback. After all, it was rare to see street vendors near the Century Mall, and what did it matter if Ms. Hawthorn enjoyed street food? Surely, that was preferable to dealing with a temperamental client who looked down on everything and everyone.

Hastily, the staff member interjected, "Ms. Hawthorn has just placed an order for a set of rings worth eight million dollars."

Brianna laughed mockingly, "Her? Afford it? Did you actually see her pay? Or swipe a card? No wonder Promise remains a niche brand with employees like you. Real clients like us are probably driven away by your kind."

"Letting such poor people in only pollutes the air of Century Mall." Brianna folded her arms, her gaze filled with disdain and arrogance.

Humiliated, the staff member couldn't hold back any longer, "What's wrong with eating at a street vendor? Not everyone has the same tastes or means, and you have no right to belittle that choice." Vivienne gave the staff member an appreciative look. It was rare to find someone in such a setting who didn't judge others by their financial status.

the staff member, grabbed her by the hair, and slapped her across the face, "How dare you disrespect me? I'm a paying customer, and you're earning from my money. Do you believe I couldn't have you fired with

member's eyes, unaccustomed to such barbaric behavior. She bit her lip, "Even if I lose my

She grabbed Brianna's arm, her touch icy, her gaze sharp as

now, are you?

as the situation escalated, Percival stepped in front of Vivienne, shielding her, and

His movements

powerful, leaving the

bodyguards hesitated, realizing they were no

guards to intervene, but they stood back, knowing better than to confront Percival

for injuries with a worried expression. Vivienne reassured

still concerned, lightly scolded, "I asked you to wait for

her voice soft and apologetic,

murmuring, "I'm not upset

then turned her gaze back to Brianna, signaling that the confrontation wasn't over