The Million-Dollar Heart

Aaron had barely taken a few steps when he caught sight of Vivienne on Percival's arm, accompanied by her family and Richard, heading in the opposite direction. Frustration bubbled within him. "Weren't we supposed to split them up from the get-go? What now?"

Equally taken aback by his grandfather's intervention, Kenneth sighed. "The first step of the plan is a bust. What else?"

The two young men exchanged a look of mutual disdain before parting ways.

From a distance, Vivienne was surprised to see Aaron and Kenneth together.

"Are those two playing nice again?" She asked.

Percival found Aaron's presence irritating, but he could not show it too openly, given that Aaron was a friend of Vivienne's. Thus, he said calmly, "Who knows? Let them be." Vivienne did not press any further.

Richard followed the rehearsed plan to the letter, entering with Vivienne at his side, ensuring she was the center of attention.

Vivienne, albeit reluctantly, complied. After all, the birthday boy calls the shots.

While they waited, Fiona approached them.

"Grandpa, Vivienne," she said, holding a box that contained her latest jewelry design. "Grandpa, after your speech, I hope Vivienne can wear this set to showcase it. What do you think?" Richard's displeasure was evident, though he remained silent.

He intended for Vivienne to be seen purely as part of his entourage, to underscore his status, not as a billboard for the company.

Fiona hastily added, "I just think the jewels would look stunning on Vivienne. That's all."

Since Fiona's motivations were for the company's good, Richard could not bring himself to reprimand her. "Vivienne will simply accompany me for the entrance. You can wear the set yourself—it'll be more convenient. I'll give you a moment to speak later."

Upon his refusal, Fiona had no choice but to let it go.

She had hoped to leverage Vivienne's identity as Master Charles, combining it with her jewelry concept to create a buzz for her product.

first, but she knew it lacked staying power and could quickly

said, leading her

gaze on Fiona. "How did that

icy as she warned, "Don't you dare mess up my jewelry

excellent opportunity

the art exhibition, Fiona sensed Percival was onto something. She was confident that any

her focus was not on taking Percival down. Instead, she aimed to

you think you can win Grandpa's favor for our family branch? You spend your days fiddling with those trinkets; it's messed with your brain. If

deemed a 'lost cause,' Jeffrey had not taken him seriously. What could a good-for-nothing

he had focused on battling Paul, which had left both of them

Paul was now released, he had lost his standing in their

compromised by the art exhibition debacle, had to

recent events within the Ellington

It had all

Paul, to

about to let that happen. If he did not act soon, the

At the very least, he had to ensure Percival

before she turned away. "This is your last

spit after her in disdain.

Fiona was out of

guests filled the room, the master of ceremonies delivered the opening remarks, inviting

signaling the importance he placed on her, while even Percival waited below. After the

influential families knew she was