The Million-Dollar Heart

The air turned chilly instantly, and Melissa's expression darkened as she shot her daughter a sharp look. "Ashley, what are you talking about?"

Ashley, one earbud dangling, gave Vivienne a defiant glance. "I'm gaming here, and besides, whatever I say shouldn't bother you, right? You're so generous, aren't you?" Vivienne's eyes darkened. "I don't waste my time arguing with idiots."

"Who are you calling an idiot?" Ashley snapped, flinging her headphones aside as she glared at Vivienne.

Percival stepped in front of Vivienne, his gaze heavy upon Ashley. "Whoever takes offense is who Vivienne calls an idiot. Got a problem with that, Ms. Ashley?"

Still somewhat resentful towards Percival, Ashley pursed her lips and sat down with a cold huff.

Melissa rushed to soothe Vivienne. "Don't mind her, Vivienne. I've spoiled Ashley rotten."

Vivienne shook her head. For Melissa's sake, she could endure a little.

Percival handed out gifts to everyone, and when he reached Carl, the man shouted in surprise. "Is this the latest racing helmet? I've been on the waiting list for six months, and still nothing, and you just snagged two!"

While not overly expensive, it was the perfect gift for a professional racer.

"If you like it, that's what matters," Percival said with a smile, sitting beside Vivienne.

Vivienne then pulled out a set of jewelry for Melissa, a final masterpiece by the acclaimed designer Master Jessica, priceless and unobtainable.

Melissa gasped, "Vivienne, this is far too precious. I can't accept it!"

Vivienne's identity as Master Jessica was not widely known yet, so Melissa did not grasp the significance of the gift. However, she was aware of the buzz Master Jessica's final creation had made online. "It's not that precious. Please, take it," Vivienne insisted, having plucked it from her collection without a second thought.

Melissa held the jewelry lovingly, reluctant to accept it, knowing Vivienne's earnings did not come easy.

In a whisper, she suggested to Vivienne, "Such a fine piece should be a gift for Mrs. Ellington, Percival's mother. She'd appreciate it, and it seems a waste to give it to me."

her relationship with Percival's mother,

a waste.

Mom. Vivienne's giving you a gift, and you're refusing? That's like a slap in her face. Besides, did she take less from us, the Brooks family? Remember the set

but add sarcastically, still envious

avoid

back. "Ashley, if you

also tried to calm his sister. "Just be quiet,

could cripple you in a heartbeat. Don't ask

side with Vivienne made Ashley even more bitter. She lashed out, pushing him away. "You two are like weeds swaying with the wind, siding with whoever treats you well. Who

her past statements, could

slight complaint, but he truly

seeing no one responding, continued. "Now that she's helped you, you're all grateful. Well, I'll never

the floor

that child? Don't be angry, Vivienne. She's just

added, "Yes, Vivienne, please don't be offended. I'll deal

respond, shouts erupted from

me!" The owner of this voice was

what had happened to Ashley, with Vivienne

the

was holding her

opposite her were Charlotte and

retort when she caught sight of Vivienne and rushed over, enveloping her in an ecstatic hug.