The Million-Dollar Heart

Chapter 177

A subtle smirk crossed Percival’s face as he realized his darling Vivienne could now feel jealous when it came to him.

“I’m not fond of you keeping secrets with other men either. Was that Debra whom you were exchanging glances with?”

“He’s just a friend.” Vivienne responded indifferently, offering no explanation.

Percival’s gaze shifted, sweeping over Scott, who was standing not far away. “The head of the Brooks family has been eyeing you as well.”

Vivienne’s cool gaze followed his, colliding with Scott’s stare.

Perhaps it was her icy expression that caused Scott, who was accustomed to others cowering before his authority as the long–standing head of the Brooks family, to look away. However, he couldn’t resist sneaking another glance.

For some reason, even though he had never met Vivienne, she seemed eerily familiar.

He thought he saw a shadow of Karen in her.

“Scott.” After noticing Scott’s continuous gaze on Vivienne, Beatrice began feeling a surge of anxiety. She stepped forward, trying to squeeze a smile onto her gloomy face, intentionally distracting him. “Arabella is about to take her college entrance exams. Have you discussed with her which university she’s considering?”

“She’s interested in Rivenwood University.” Scott politely responded. Engaged in conversation with Beatrice, his gaze finally left Vivienne and settled on Arabella on the stage.

Arabella, reaching the climactic part of her performance, abruptly lifted her hand. The room fell silent as the piano music dramatically halted. As Arabella stood up to bow, the crowd applauded generously.

The first thing Arabella did was look for Percival’s reaction, hoping her piano performance had moved him.

Regrettably, Percival’s attention was solely on Vivienne.

Biting her lower lip, she didn’t step down from the stage. Instead, she smiled towards Vivienne in the crowd. “Your turn, sister. I’m eagerly waiting for your gift.”

Everyone’s eyes turned to Vivienne, waiting for her response.

Judith’s face fell. “If Ms. Hawthorn doesn’t wish to play, don’t

woman. She had fought alongside Baron during the family feud. In the

games, and naturally, she stepped in to protect Vivienne,

hadn’t anticipated that Judith would publicly reprimand her to

This was her banquet!

was the star of the

yet, Judith accused her of

not disciplining her

to Vivienne.

I do mind, what then?” Vivienne’s eyes

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Chapter 177

Judith hesitated. “I’ll make sure to discipline

Arabella as her lips curled into a smile. “Seeing as we’re kin, I’ll

the word ‘kin‘

puzzled Judith didn’t quite understand what she

Vivienne was already heading

aback, and they began to whisper

assumed Vivienne couldn’t play the piano since she was reluctant to accept Arabella’s invitation. But now that Judith had

performance leading the way, unless Vivienne could match Debra’s skills, she would

stage, feigning a mix of surprise and delight. “I knew you’d grant

turned colder. “Then

She clenched her teeth and descended from the stage. She watched as Vivienne gracefully sat before

A girl who grew up in the country dared

how well Vivienne could play, she knew

perform first. With her excellent skills setting the bar, anything Vivienne played afterward

spread across her lips. However, it froze

fingers, began to slowly play the black and white keys. A soft melody, slowly gaining momentum,

gentle as a morning breeze. It was like a calm stream, then it gradually quickened and intensified, transforming into a roaring storm and raging tides, resonating in the