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.

elegant eyebrows knitted together as she scoffed, "Ms. Grimshaw, are you supposed to be some kind of mother hen? Clucking away like you're laying eggs at the Hawthorn family

you country bumpkin! What

the entire banquet hall to the

murmured among

going on here? Who's calling Ms.

is known as the perfume maestro Q, not to mention a renowned fashion designer. How can she

called a country

and Anna chimed in with a smirk, "All this talk of country bumpkins. One would think Ms. Grimshaw was some kind of high-born lady." "You,

Her face flushed with a mix of rage and mortification; she regretted not studying Vivienne's background more

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

said, "You just wait! I won't let you get

dimly lit hospital room, Willa had just finished bathing Karen and

you could slice it,

bathroom flickered twice, then went

the bathroom door to find nothing but darkness. Without hesitation, she

sliver of light. A man cautiously stepped in, making sure Karen was the only

flooded with light, and Willa, with lightning-fast

at the party, the minor disturbance did little

the room. "Strange, where did Ramona go? She wouldn't

head with a light-hearted tone, "Why? Were you hoping she'd

her demeanor was cool

mistaking Vivienne's lightheartedness for irritation, hurriedly explained, "No, no. I wish she'd leave faster. But you don't understand, Vivienne. Ramona is not as simple as