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.

eye-catching at first, but she knew it lacked staying power and could

her into the

Fiona. "How did that go? Got shot down, huh? Looks

warned, "Don't you dare mess up my

gala was supposed to be an excellent opportunity that could have been used to take

art exhibition, Fiona sensed Percival was onto something. She was confident that any move she made during

Instead, she aimed to cement her position in her grandfather's heart

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

cause,' Jeffrey had not taken him seriously. What could a

Paul, which had left both of them

now released, he had lost his standing in their

compromised by the art exhibition debacle, had to bite

events within the Ellington family had given him

It had all been an

him against Paul, to

happen. If he did not

an opportunity he could not miss. He had to drag Percival down. At the very least, he had to ensure Percival and Vivienne did

eyes momentarily flaring with malice before she turned away. "This is your last warning. If you ruin my

in disdain. "Pretentious much? The Ellington family

Fiona was

the room, the master of ceremonies delivered the opening remarks, inviting Richard to

importance he placed on her, while even Percival waited below. After the speech, Vivienne's standing in Rivenwood's

the influential families knew she