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."

Percival's mother, but it really was not necessary-a simple bottle of perfume would

not a waste. It's

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

could not help but add sarcastically, still envious of the bracelets Judith had given

avoid Vivienne's eventual betrayal of her

Kala could no longer hold back. "Ashley, if you can't stand being here, just leave. No

calm his sister. "Just be

could cripple you in a heartbeat. Don't ask for it!"

with the wind, siding with whoever treats you well. Who was it just

statements, could not

had muttered a slight

continued. "Now that she's helped you, you're all grateful. Well, I'll never

hurled Melissa's jewelry to the floor

child? Don't be angry, Vivienne.

"Yes, Vivienne, please don't be

Vivienne could respond, shouts

are you blind? You nearly killed me!" The

see what had happened to Ashley, with Vivienne and

the one

in the hall, Ashley was holding her head and berating

were Charlotte and

about to retort when she caught sight of Vivienne and rushed over, enveloping