The Million-Dollar Heart

Ashley's outburst had left Vivienne speechless. Took her place?

Rolling up her sleeves with a dramatic flourish, Charlotte slapped Ashley's hand away and planted her hands on her hips, glaring down at her. "Who are you pointing fingers at, huh? Think you're some kind of big shot? I'm the one who's earned the right to speak on behalf of the whole school because I aced every single subject, not you!"

"You think you could've taken my spot without Vivienne's help? Dream on!" Ashley spat back, her pride bruised.

To Ashley's surprise, Charlotte did not retort. "You're right. Without Vivienne's support, I wouldn't have even gotten into the defense academy."

Then, Charlotte gave Ashley a piercing look, then asked Vivienne, "Vivienne, who is she to you?"

Vivienne gave Ashley a once-over. "She's my cousin on my aunt's side."

"I see." Charlotte caught sight of the bewildered Brooks family lingering in the background. She clapped her hands theatrically. "Well, I won't intrude on your little family dinner then. Be sure to hit me up when you're free, okay? I'll let Faye know, deal?"

"Sure." Vivienne nodded.

Griffin, who had been quietly observing, gently tugged Charlotte away, giving Vivienne a knowing wink as if she had much to say.

Arm in arm, they left, with Charlotte tossing over Griffin's shoulder, "You can't let a man walk all over you!"

Vivienne's lips curled into a smirk. So, Charlotte was the mastermind behind Griffin's antics towards Leopold. Tsk, tsk.

Her little protégé was in for a rough ride.

Ashley kept staring at Vivienne as if she was the villain of the century.

Vivienne just shot her a glance and turned to Melissa. "Aunt Melissa, about the dinner..."

"We'll continue," Melissa said, visibly annoyed with her daughter. "Ashley, you can leave if you're not eating. It's like all those years of raising you were for nothing. You're so unreasonable!" With that, Melissa ushered Vivienne back to the private dining room.

observer, was more than willing to keep the peace for

a reproachful look at Ashley before

hair. "Ashley, dear, Vivienne hasn't wronged you, you know. They've only just met, and your grudge is baseless. You blame her for our grandparents and uncle's misfortune, but think about it-weren't they

making good money, I'll buy you all the finest things in the world, and you'll have someone who adores you, sweetheart." Ashley wiped her tears and stormed

he returned to the dining

Vivienne to watch the next day's

accepted with

with Charlotte free for a few days, it was the perfect opportunity

in a chic racing outfit, her hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail, exuding a sporty elegance as if she was one of the racers. "You really dressed the

I even brought snacks to set the mood!" Charlotte replied

in the VIP seats arranged by Carl, with a prime view of the start and

from a distance, with a still-irritated

her tongue. "Some people just can't let go. She's

her didn't

gave a few more waves before slipping into his race car, Ashley putting on the helmet that Percival had given Carl

she was not

drop of the flag, seven cars roared off the line amid a crescendo

were lost in the thrill of the race, cheering

noticed Vivienne's disquiet. He grasped her hand,

"One of those seven cars-the engine sounded off. I'm not sure

expression darkened as he peered at the