The Million-Dollar Heart

Chapter 171

Hazel felt a sudden chill creep up her scalp, and she quietly took two steps back, hoping to sneak off the runway unnoticed.

Mike, who had been engrossed in admiring a strapless gown, finally looked up to see the young, talented designer standing next to him. But upon recognizing the impatient expression on Vivienne’s face, he exclaimed in surprise, “Master Charles! Is that you?”

The room fell into a stunned silence.

“What? Mr. Ellington’s fiancée is Master Charles?”

“How is that possible? Mike must have mistaken her for someone else.”

From the runway below, Arabella had been urging Judith to stop Vivienne, but she hadn’t made a move to actually do it herself.

She was hoping that Vivienne would offend Mike, leading to a breakdown in the partnership between the Edwards family and Mike. This would not only ruin Vivienne’s reputation but also earn her the enmity of the Edwards family.

If Vivienne’s arrogance led to not only her own downfall but also strained the relationship between the Ellington Group and the Edwards Group, would the Ellington family still want such a troublesome daughter–in–law?

Arabella had her plan all figured out, and when Mike stormed towards Vivienne in anger, she thought her wish was about to come true.

But to her surprise, not only did Mike praise Vivienne’s altered design, he even called her “Master Charles.”

This Mike must have lost his mind!

She stepped forward and addressed Mike. “Mr. Mike, my sister grew up in a humble monastery and has never touched fashion design. How could she possibly be Master Charles? You must have mistaken her for someone else.”

“How could I possibly mistake her?” Mike gave Arabella a strange look and replied. “When my creativity hit a roadblock years ago, it was Master Charles who inspired me and led to my success today. She is like my mentor. Who would mistake their own mentor?”

He then pointed at the obedient Italian model who had been following Vivienne’s instructions to the tee.

industry. If it wasn’t for her respect for Master Charles and knowing my relationship with Charles, would she have so patiently let others touch my clothes?” This statement set the

really Master

“No way. That’s unbelievable.”

eyebrow at Mike and nodded. “Long time no

that of

added, “After all this time,

expression instantly deflated. He now seemed much like a frost–bitten eggplant, and he even looked a bit like a chastised child. “I know I’ve hit a creative block. I’ve been wanting to seek your advice again,

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Chapter

conversation was proof enough that Vivienne was

was either

slightly parted in astonishment.

surprises was

Cecilia seemed delighted for

the stage, while no one dared openly confront her and Percival due to their status, snide comments and discussions had been reaching

poor judgment for choosing

fool of herself today and that the Ellington family would call off

that she, Cecilia, was dissatisfied with Vivienne and was scouting for a new bride for Percival during

Rumors!

her poker friends that she had set her heart on

and her mother must be spreading rumors about her. Next time they

but she was also

concerned about maintaining her

ear to ear.

Charles were extremely

their hands on them, even if they were willing to pay a high price.

today onwards, who knew how many people would be knocking on their door, hoping for

mind was racing, Cecilia maintained a perfect poker face, showing no surprise at the revelation

a picture of discontent.

hand, looking up at the radiant Vivienne on the runway. He held his glass in a graceful gesture, toasting to the

return his gaze with a smile. Their eyes met, and it was a moment of intimacy that no one else could