The Million-Dollar Heart

When Percival arrived, he took one look at the ballroom's opulent decor-streamers of gold and silver, crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the sparkling crowd-and his face gradually darkened. He stepped into the fray, and a crowd of well-dressed socialites immediately swarmed him.

"Mr. Ellington, what a surprise to see you gracing Sea City with your presence! Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I would've loved to treat you to dinner."

"Mr. Ellington, you really should've given me a heads-up about your visit. After the success of our last collaboration, I would have rolled out the red carpet for you!" "And if anyone's going to roll out the red carpet, it should be me first. Mr. Ellington, Are you free tomorrow night?"

The crowd pressing around him represented the crème de la crème of Sea City's various industries, all of whom had previous dealings with the Ellington Group. Percival handled the greetings with a practiced grace until Hayden made his way through the crowd.

"Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, I must borrow Percival for a moment. After the festivities, we'll find time to gather. My treat, agreed?"

Everyone understood that Percival was the man of the hour that evening, and naturally, no one objected.

After all, with Percival there, who would dare to interfere?

Hayden led Percival away to a private lounge in the back.

Wendy sat in a wheelchair, having missed her window for optimal treatment, resigned to a life bound to her chair.

"Percival, I assume you know what tonight is all about. If you play your cards right and get engaged to Gillian, we can all live peacefully. But if you refuse, well, don't say I did not warn you." Percival chuckled at Wendy's threat. "And what are you going to do?"

Wendy smirked and waved her hand dismissively. Theodore produced a tablet; on it were scandalous photos of Cecilia and Vivienne.

Percival's eyes narrowed, a chill radiating from him. "Threatening me?"

Was it that his hands had been too clean for too long? Did the Boyd family really think they could use doctored photos to threaten him?

Wendy chuckled, "I know my daughter better than anyone. I'm aware of every mole on her body, so what if the photos are fake? I have plenty of ways to prove that it's Cecilia. As for Vivienne, it's enough that her face is recognizable. Even if you clear things up later, the damage will have been done. Are you willing to gamble with your mother and Vivienne's reputations?"

Percival looked at her, his gaze dispassionate.

with an air of indifference, his

through?"

tailored suit accentuating his lean figure. He spoke slowly, "I'll

then added with a hint of a

that, he left the

Percival's retreating figure, an inexplicable panic

did not think much of it, simply impressed by Wendy's power to make

"Mom, that

girl

"What does it matter? Once Percival and Gillian are engaged, the Ashford family will be locked into a partnership with us. And Vivienne will be too ashamed to stay once she

would never forgive Vivienne for making her wheelchair-bound for

her breath, "Gillian knew Percival was engaged and still chased after him. Wouldn't it be easier

snapped, throwing a

Nancy could not help but revel

dressing room, Gillian had touched up her makeup and clasped

can't have any more complications. This is what I've been looking forward

control. After tonight,

"Me too."

Vivienne listened to the excited voices

she, too, was thrilled beyond

in a simple gown, she handed her invitation

seeing the invitation, the attendant

having her fill of fun and replaced the attendant, knowing that she would be reprimanded if her family found out she had been missing from her post. Vivienne