The Million-Dollar Heart

On the surface, Jeffrey was criticizing Dorian's family for lacking proper lineage. However, he was clearly mocking Vivienne for not having a reputable background-a nobody taken in from the wild. Cordelia's eyes brimmed with tears, and Dorian was fuming, but this was the Ellington Mansion's grand hall, and he could not very well throw a fit and ruin the birthday celebration.

Vivienne's brow furrowed. Messing with her family was akin to poking a sleeping bear.

But this was Richard's milestone birthday, and despite her irritation with Jeffrey, she gave Richard the respect he deserved by not causing a scene.

She stepped forward, slipping her arm through Cordelia's, saying, "Mom, Dad, as long as you'll have me, I'll always be your daughter. As for the barking of some dogs, we needn't bother with them." Her voice was just loud enough for everyone to hear clearly.

Jeffrey bellowed, "Vivienne, who are you calling a dog?"

"The one responding," Vivienne replied coolly.

"You think I don't dare to slap you for that?" Jeffrey, unaccustomed to such disrespect, advanced towards Vivienne.

Before he could lay a hand on her, Richard's cane came crashing down.

"You little bastard, what nonsense are you spewing? You think you can hit Vivienne? I'll whip you myself! Useless trash!" Richard brandished his cane, chasing after Jeffrey.

Fiona cursed under her breath. She thought he might have some sense, but this was his grand idea to infuriate Vivienne into lashing out. Yet he was the one to lose his cool first.

Both Percival and Richard treated Vivienne like a treasure-how could they let her be humiliated?

Even if it meant causing a scene at the birthday event, they would not stand by and let Vivienne be scorned!

This useless fool, always botching things up!

Nevertheless, she stepped forward, taking hold of Richard. "Grandpa, please calm down. Jeffrey didn't mean any harm. He just doesn't know how to speak. Jeffrey, aren't you going to apologize to Cordelia and Vivienne?"

Richard stood on the stage, fuming, and even shouted at Jeffrey, "Let me tell you, Vivienne is my beloved granddaughter-in-law. Her family is my family. Now go apologize to my in-laws, or I swear I'll break your legs today!"

to believe that Richard would

could not accept

to be high society? You think a fancy dress makes you one of us?" Jeffrey scoffed at Vivienne,

scolding Jeffrey inwardly, "Idiot, will you never

Jeffrey, apologizing to Vivienne, "I'm sorry, Vivienne. Maybe you should take your family and leave for now." Percival's stern face showed a flicker of coldness as he looked at Fiona and suddenly smiled, "Fiona, did you just suggest that the guests I invited, my in-laws, should leave? Are you joking?" His smile

expression changed, realizing Percival was truly

meant. I just thought continuing like this wouldn't look good, so

she could finish, Percival interrupted with a cold voice, "The ones who

was palpable, an invisible frost surrounding him, particularly when he addressed

a country bumpkin! What's wrong with what I said? She can't even afford

Fool!

could his

to salvage the situation, and he was fanning the

was a complete

at Fiona in disbelief. "You

could react further, Percival grabbed Jeffrey by the collar

of bones breaking

deep, cold gaze turned to Jeffrey outside the hall, his eyes as sharp

birthday today, he would make

who disrespects Vivienne or my in-laws in the future, don't blame me for not being polite!" Percival swept a cold glance across the crowd,

to sacrifice the whole family

to smooth things over, "Percival, Vivienne, I apologize on behalf of my brother.