The Million-Dollar Heart

"Country bumpkin?"

Vivienne arched an eyebrow, an expression that hadn't crossed her face in quite some time.

She surveyed Ramona with a critical eye, noting the girl couldn't be more than twenty. With her doll-like features, it was no wonder she had become an overnight sensation.

It wasn't just the push from her handlers behind the scenes; that pretty face was surely a factor.

Withdrawing her gaze, Vivienne's clear eyes shifted to Dorian. "Dorian, what's going on? Didn't we agree that Kala was to be the face of the new perfume line?"

She paused, noting Dorian's evasive look.

She asked, "You're in trouble, why didn't you talk to me?"

"I will explain everything later, Vivienne," Dorian replied, his face showing distress. "Ms. Grimshaw, this is my daughter. Please be respectful."

After he spoke, he turned to face Ramona with a stern expression.

Something was off.

Vivienne tugged at Percival's sleeve, and without a word, he understood. He gestured to Thomas, indicating he should lean in closer.

Ramona, meanwhile, was visibly irked by Percival's blatant disregard for her, his attention solely on Vivienne.

Her voice dripped with jealousy, "Percival, darling, look at them! I wouldn't have taken this ad gig if it wasn't for your sake. Now, they're all ganging up on me."

Her whiny voice grated on Vivienne's nerves.

to be some kind of

Vivienne. "You, you country bumpkin! What right do you have to talk to

the entire banquet hall to the unfolding scene between Vivienne,

murmured among themselves,

on here? Who's calling Ms.

Ms. Hawthorn is known as the perfume maestro Q, not to mention a renowned

Ms. Hawthorn is being called a country bumpkin,

with a smirk, "All this talk of country bumpkins. One would think Ms. Grimshaw was some

there. Her face flushed

woman, once so easily bullied in Havenwood, held so many prestigious titles unknown

"You just wait!

had just finished bathing Karen and was carrying the

thick you could slice it, making

lights in the bathroom flickered twice, then

kicked open the bathroom door to find nothing but darkness. Without hesitation, she followed the rope that someone had used to climb in through the

A man cautiously stepped in, making sure Karen was the only other person

the needle could make contact, the room flooded with light, and Willa,

party, the minor disturbance did little to dampen the

stuck close to Vivienne, casting glances around the room. "Strange, where did Ramona go? She wouldn't just leave like that,

a light-hearted tone, "Why? Were

demeanor

explained, "No, no. I wish she'd leave faster. But you don't understand, Vivienne.