The Million-Dollar Heart

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.

guilt and resentment, but Vivienne should not be

were barely nineteen when you drugged your husband–to–be, got pregnant, and marched over to the Miller family to demand a wedding, breaking up his engagement in the process, I must say, I can’t hold a candle to you”

into an awkward silence. Paula’s manipulation of her husband, Mark Miller, was no secret. Many remembered her tantrums

harassment of Mark’s ex–fiancee.

drugging Mark was spoken out loud, even if it had

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

dare you speak to your aunt like this?” A young man appeared at the top of the stairs,

Vivienne

at the audacity Would he dare lay a hand on

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

young man screamed

son! Paula shrieked and lunged at Vivienne

increasing the pressure. After causing him to collapse in pain, she addressed Paula “What was it you said? The sins of the father fall upon the child? By that logic, shouldn’t your son bear the consequences for

his excruciating pain was evident. “However, I’m not known for my gentle touch She stated nonchalantly f he ends up injured, please don’t hold it against me. After all, you started it, and don’t

with a smirk. This was his Vivienne. She would never let anyone walk over her. She seemed to be enjoying

charge at Vivienne again, but one look from Vivienne froze her in her tracks. The threat in Vivienne’s eyes was clear Touch her, and her hand would

Paula glared at Judith with a resentful expression “You’re just going to let her do this?”

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

as

Paula, her aunt, always had a superior attitude towards her it was annoying, but she–nëver