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.

be the one to bear

Vivienne laughed as her hands casually slipped into her pockets. I heard you 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

of her husband, Mark Miller, was no secret. Many remembered her tantrums in the

and her relentless harassment

Mark was spoken

face flushed with embarrassment. She hadn’t expected Vivienne to be

to your aunt like this?” A young man appeared at the top of the stairs, rushing to his mother’s side with

Vivienne

at the audacity Would he dare lay a hand

could react, Vivienne had already caught the man’s wrist in mid–air, twisting it

The young man screamed in pain.

Paula shrieked

wrist but instead 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

man’s arm at an unnatural angle, 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

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

look from Vivienne froze her in her tracks. The threat in Vivienne’s eyes was clear Touch her, and her hand

glared at Judith with a resentful expression “You’re just

insulted Vivienne first, but he attacked his

retaliation came as

towards her it was annoying, but she–nëver dared rebuke her in