The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne's words were light, but her eyes sparkled with excitement.

No matter how many times she had seen it, the sight of Percival's chiseled abs never failed to make her swallow in appreciation.

Her slender, fair fingers traced over his toned muscles, while her other arm wrapped around Percival's neck. "Mr. Wolf, have you put on some weight lately? Your six-pack doesn't feel as rock-hard as before." Percival thought to himself, "The cheeky little thing, teasing me like that."

He caught her wandering hand in a firm grip, his voice husky, "Don't worry, the real workout starts soon, and I guarantee you'll be more than satisfied."

The Hawthorn Family's Soirée.

As a rising star in Rivenwood, Dorian had arranged the evening's reception at a modest yet charming boutique hotel.

The guest list included business associates and some of the newly acquainted local elite.

"I didn't expect such a turnout tonight. It seems that even a down-and-out camel is still bigger than a horse. I thought the Hawthorn family would never bounce back."

"What's there to be happy about? I wonder what sort of luck this country bumpkin stumbled upon to get cozy with the Ellingtons. If it weren't for that marriage, do you think anyone would give him the time of day?"

"That's why they say Ms. Hawthorn is so cunning. After everything that's happened, Mr. Ellington still stands by her side unwaveringly."

Anna, as Vivienne's bodyguard, heard every insult and slander.

"These people!"

This was unbearable!

Her eyes glinting with fury, she was about to confront them when Vivienne held her back, "Don't stoop to their level. Hitting them would be too good for them."

Percival stood by Vivienne's side in a tailored suit, his hand resting on her shoulder.

"Thomas, look into their companies. Since they have so much idle time, let's keep them busy."

"Don't worry, Percival, they won't

family of Vivienne? They were truly

"Vivienne!"

chorus of excited young voices

instead, she stooped slightly to embrace the children hugging her from either side. "Amelia's here too. You two rascals, make sure you and your friends have a blast today." Isolde nodded vigorously. "Don't worry, Vivienne! I won't let Thaddeus

"That's nonsense!"

his foot and said,

turned, his gaze falling on

little girl was dressed in a frock that Vivienne had

tone

shyly and said, "No.

formality made Vivienne frown

graceful stride, her face beautifully made up under the crystal chandeliers. "Vivienne, when did you arrive? I've

with Vivienne, completely encircling her with

frustration, causing

Percival asked, "Something funny?"

shook his head hastily. "No, it's

he

expect to

voice rang out, and as everyone's attention was momentarily captured by the newcomers, it reverted back to

soft tone made Percival's skin crawl. He dodged the woman lunging at him and said,

eyes not once glancing at the

What a drama king.

when had Mr. Wolf adopted this

when she first met Percival; he was the epitome of cool and arrogant. As time went on, he seemed to become more and more offbeat. Thomas was like, "No, ma'am, Percival has been like this ever since he started dating

the interruption. "Ms. Grimshaw, we know you're smitten. But even as

of me! Do you know who I am?" Ramona Grimshaw struggled against Thomas's grip, fuming, "Who are you to touch