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

Vivienne," Richard said, leading her into the

shadows, his mocking gaze on Fiona. "How did that go? Got shot down,

dare mess

excellent opportunity that could have

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

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

"With your tacky jewelry, 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 you keep at this pace, Percival will take over the Ellington family sooner or later. Then, let's see if you'll still have the mood to

had not taken him seriously.

Paul, which had

had lost his standing in their

Jeffrey, compromised by the art exhibition debacle, had

recent events within the Ellington

lost cause? It had all

Paul, to

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

not miss. He had to drag Percival down. At the very least, he had to ensure

away. "This is your

to spit after her in disdain. "Pretentious much? The Ellington

Fiona was out

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

side, signaling the importance he placed on her, while even Percival

families knew she was Percival's fiancée,