The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 167

Vivienne arched an eyebrow as a smirk tugged at the corners of her lips.

Her gaze roamed over Arabella's starry skirt. The gradient of deep to light night blue, embroidered with scattered rhinestones, certainly made it seem as though she was wearing the night sky.

However, this design was nothing unique. It was certainly not anything special in the vast collection of Charles' creations.

"What are you laughing at?!" Leah couldn't stand Vivienne's nonchalant demeanor. Born into wealth, she believed that those less fortunate should worship them.

"Finished showing off?" Vivienne nonchalantly asked, motioning towards the buffet table. "I'm going to grab something to eat."

"You... you came to the banquet just to eat?" Hazel was in disbelief.

"And why not?" Vivienne retorted nonchalantly.

"Let's go. Don't bother with this hick." Leah sneered. "I bet if you mentioned Master Charles to her, she wouldn't even know who he is. Look at her. Telling people she's your sister would only bring you down." "Such a big mouth!"

A cold laugh echoed from the entrance of the banquet hall. Arabella's eyes lit up, and she quickly primped her hair, putting on what she believed was her most charming smile as she greeted the newcomer. "Percival, you're here!"

She had spent half the day selecting her gown, finally managing to convince Scott to air-freight this starry skirt, a creation of Master Charles. Besides wishing to present her best self, she also hoped to capture Percival's heart.

However, she hadn't expected Percival not to show up.

When she saw Vivienne alone, she felt both schadenfreude and disappointment. Now that Percival was here, she was overjoyed.

Percival was dressed in a handcrafted suit from Veloria. Only up close could one see the butterflies embroidered with black thread on the black fabric, adding a touch of liveliness to the otherwise solemn suit. He strode forward, pulling Vivienne into his embrace. Without any prompt, Thomas brought forth a garment bag containing a gown, unveiling it before the crowd.

"I heard someone was complaining about my fiancée's outfit being insufficiently classy." Percival's intent to defend Vivienne was clear. "Would this gown be appropriate for your family's gathering?" Everyone took a closer look at the gown. The champagne-colored fishtail dress was adorned with layers of intricate butterfly embroidery, illuminated brilliantly under the banquet lights.

"Isn't this the 'Dream Butterfly' dress that Master Charles only made one of?" Someone recognized it.

"Yes. When the design was first revealed, everyone praised it, and countless people wanted to order one. But Master Charles only made one and refused to make any more."

"I remember this dress being auctioned off at L&D Auctions for two billion. My sister was so upset about not getting it that she didn't eat properly for a month."

"My mom was the same. She lost at poker for a month because she was so upset, and my dad scolded her for being wasteful."

Hazel and Helen Edwards were speechless as they watched the dress unfold. Arabella's eyes flashed with jealousy, and she clenched her fists so tightly that her nails nearly pierced her palms. "Vivienne, let me accompany you to change into this." Percival's gentle gaze landed on Vivienne.

Vivienne looked at the dress, feeling a bit surprised, and then back at Percival. She was planning on saying she didn't need to change and that she had intentionally worn her current outfit.

But seeing Percival's protective gesture, she smiled softly and followed him to the dressing room.

Inside the dressing room, a renowned international makeup and hair team was already waiting.

Twenty minutes later, Percival led Vivienne back to the banquet.

Everyone turned their gaze towards them. The whole room's lights seemed to focus on the couple. Vivienne's butterfly-patterned fishtail gown echoed the butterflies on Percival's suit, creating an intimate and harmonious couple look.

After the makeover, Vivienne's black curls added to her allure. She looked stunningly beautiful.

Someone suddenly gasped. "Look at the pink diamond jewelry set Vivienne is wearing. Isn't that Master Jessica's 'Ophelia's Heart' that was auctioned off two years ago?"

Everyone's gaze fell onto Vivienne's collarbone and ears. The heart-shaped pink diamond was at least three carats, and it was surrounded by smaller diamonds. The teardrop-shaped earrings were also of rare quality.

Many recalled that 'Ophelia's Heart' was auctioned for five billion.

Percival had adorned his fiancée with seven billion worth of jewelry. What a grand gesture!

In contrast, Arabella's starry skirt looked rather common.

The room fell silent. Arabella could read the message in everyone's eyes. A surge of frustration welled up in her, almost making her vomit blood.

Yet Vivienne, arm in arm with Percival, approached her. "Did you know that your starry skirt is one of Charles' early works? One he was least satisfied with."

The room fell even quieter. Arabella nearly cracked her silver teeth from clenching so hard. While holding a glass of champagne, she approached Vivienne with a smile and a flash of malice in her eyes. "Sister, you look beautiful in this dress."

Thomas accidentally stepped on Arabella's dress train, yanking it backward. Arabella let out a shocked gasp, falling backward. All the champagne that was going to be poured on Vivienne ended up on herself. "Young lady, our young madam's dress is quite expensive. It'd be best if you'd be careful." Thomas bluntly exposed Arabella's shady intentions.

"Percival!" Arabella looked at Percival in distress. "Are you going to let your assistant bully me like this?!"

Percival glanced at Thomas, who understood his cue. He took out a cheque and tossed it at Arabella. "Here's the money for your dress."

Already holding Vivienne's hand, Percival led her to dine in a corner.

"Well done! Spectacularly done!" Cecilia appeared from nowhere and grabbed Vivienne's hand. "I saw your sister mocking you earlier. It made me furious!"

She had wanted to rush out and slap Arabella, but the Ellingtons and the Brooks had always been on good terms. As an elder, she had to maintain her dignity. It wouldn't do to quarrel with the younger generation. It was best if Percival handled it.