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 mother hen? Clucking away like you're laying eggs at the Hawthorn family

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

the entire banquet hall to the unfolding scene

murmured among themselves,

going on here? Who's calling

Q, not to mention

is being called a country

this talk

the setting, Ramona would have slapped Vivienne then and there. Her face flushed with

easily bullied in Havenwood, held so many prestigious titles unknown to

her teeth in frustration as she said, "You just wait! I won't let you get away with

dimly lit hospital room, Willa had just finished bathing Karen and was carrying the basin to

it,

bathroom flickered twice, then

her eyes sharp, kicked open the bathroom door to find nothing but darkness. Without hesitation,

open, letting in a sliver of light. A man cautiously stepped in, making sure Karen

the needle could make contact, the room flooded with light, and Willa, with lightning-fast reflexes, threw a dagger

minor disturbance did little to

stuck close to Vivienne, casting glances around the room. "Strange, where did Ramona

a light-hearted tone,

demeanor was cool

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