The Million-Dollar Heart

Chapter 172

Standing on the other side of Judith was Ashley, who began affectionately patting Arabella’s shoulder.

“Arabella, your stepsister Vivienne is quite impressive. She’s not at all like what you described.”

Arabella’s complexion changed. Her relationship with Vivienne had always been tense. Complimenting Vivienne was akin to criticizing her. Somehow, she managed to squeeze out a smile. “Yes. Who would have thought that Vivienne would be this remarkable?”

“Indeed, she is.” Judith looked at Vivienne with admiration, then turned to Arabella. “Since she’s your stepsister and represents your adoptive parents, why don’t you invite her down to meet us? I’d like to have a chat with her.”

“Of course, Grandma.” Arabella’s long lashes veiled the resentment and jealousy in her eyes, replacing them with a polite smile.

Beatrice, standing behind her, looked on with resentment. Vivienne was not only Arabella’s stepsister but also her granddaughter. Judith had praised Vivienne without even casting a glance at her, not even mentioning her once.

From the moment they had entered, Judith hadn’t bothered to introduce them to anyone.

Indeed, even after all these years, Judith still considered herself superior to everyone else.

But she would endure.

She had learned to bear in silence over the years. Whatever the Brooks family owed them, she would make sure that Judith and the rest paid it back, bit by bit.

“Sister, I would never have imagined that you were Master Charles.” Arabella approached the runway and looked up at Vivienne. “You’re truly amazing.”

She didn’t like talking to Vivienne from this angle. Looking up at her was humiliating.

Especially since Vivienne was standing in the spotlight, making her feel insignificant.

seem like she and Vivienne were the closest of sisters, without any disagreements between them. “My grandma would like to have a chat with you.” Arabella maintained her smile. “And, sister, you’ve been standing

was accusing Vivienne of being impolite and causing

“I’m not satisfied with my work at

a smile. “Charles, I’ll send you

stunned. Was this the same Mike

sister, you can’t stay up there forever, can you?” Arabella

like Vivienne looking down at her.

shifted to Hazel in the corner, who was trying to sneak away. “Do you

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at the edge

would shave her head right here on this runway and stay bald forever!” Charlotte chimed in

of my redesign?” Vivienne asked Mike

better design!” Mike gave Vivienne a thumbs–up

hear that?” Vivienne raised an eyebrow at Hazel.

was only joking!”

a joke at all. A bet is a bet. You should

Hazel shook her head vehemently and looked at Arabella for help.

do this?” Arabella looked distressed. “We’re all sisters here.

out a cold and hearty

for my sake…” Arabella continued to plead softly, hoping that someone would

Hazel had initially chosen to provoke Vivienne, and with Percival sitting there, who

weight.” Vivienne’s eyes narrowed. The cold

at Hazel. She spoke in a light but assertive tone. “No one has ever dared to default on

with me.”

sister.”