The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 179

Vivienne and Percival descended the stage under the awe-inspired gazes of the crowd.

Vivienne walked up to Arabella with her chin slightly raised in a defiant stance. "Did you like the gift I gave you?"

Arabella's hands clenched into fists, and her eyes burned with jealousy and rage. This was supposed to be her banquet, yet Vivienne had stolen the spotlight.

Why?

Why did she always have to lose to Vivienne?

Feeling everyone's gaze, Arabella forced out a strained smile. "I love it. I didn't know you could play the piano so well. Why didn't you ever mention it? If I'd known, I would've suggested Grandma send you abroad to study. Why waste your time teaching at Cloudcrest High School?"

"Heh." Vivienne chuckled. Her laugh showcased her unapologetic arrogance. "Why would I need to tell you anything?"

Arabella's expression froze. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at Vivienne with a hurt expression. "Why do you hate me so much, Vivienne? We're sisters!"

Vivienne brushed her hair, which had fallen over her ears, behind them. Her luxurious gown accentuated her allure. "I used to tolerate you for the sake of Dorian, but that doesn't mean you can walk over me." Vivienne looked up. Her cold eyes were full of indifference. "My mother only had me. I don't have a sister. Don't try to establish a relationship with me. I don't easily connect with people."

Arabella seethed with hatred, but on the surface, she looked pitiful.

After seeing this, Paul's protective instincts kicked in. He yelled at Vivienne, "Vivienne, enough is enough! This is Arabella's party... uh..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Paul was silenced.

Everyone stepped back.

It was safer to stay away from Vivienne. One wrong move, and you could replace yourself incapacitated.

Vivienne casually slipped the remaining silver needle into her hair. She glanced at Paul and spoke in an indifferent tone. "Don't yell in front of me again. I hate the sound of barking. If there's a next time, you can kiss your mouth goodbye."

With that said, Vivienne pulled Percival closer with her gaze fixed on Arabella. "Look closely. He is my man! Remember his face. Don't reach out too far, or you might lose your status as the Brooks family's heiress."

Percival raised an eyebrow, looking at Vivienne in surprise.

Little by little, a faint smile appeared on his lips.

The little girl had finally come to her senses.

She knew how to claim her territory now.

Hmm!

The way she declared her territory was truly captivating.

The guests at the party, however, looked rather strange.

She was just Vivienne, a girl who came from a monastery. Even though she was Master Q, the perfumer, and Charles, the fashion designer, her status was still incomparable to the Brooks family's. She dared make such a bold claim? How could she threaten to ruin Arabella, the Brooks family's heiress?

Did she know what she was saying?

Everyone looked at the Brooks family. The matriarch, Judith, had no expression on her face; her mood was unreadable.

Even Scott was expressionless, only the rest of the family showed their anger.

"Vivienne, you!" Arabella's face twitched with anger.

Damn Vivienne!

How dare she belittle her in front of the Brooks family?

Vivienne couldn't even be bothered to give Arabella a glance. She took Percival's hand and turned to leave.

As she left, she said coldly, "Arabella, don't bother sending invitations to Dorian anymore. Your relationship with him is over!"

Arabella looked desperate. She turned to look at Judith, hoping she would stand up for her.

Judith caught her gaze and walked towards Vivienne. "Ms. Hawthorn, wait!"

Vivienne stopped. Her eyes were devoid of any warmth as she looked at Judith.

Judith was taken aback by her coldness and the hostility that ran deep in her bones. The last time Vivienne saved her, although she was cold, she wasn't as indifferent as she was now.

Was it because of Arabella?

After thinking of what Arabella had done in Havenwood, Judith's eyes narrowed.

Quickly, she hid her emotions and smiled at Vivienne. "I've always wanted to thank you for saving my life. Today seemed like a good opportunity. Can I have your address so I can visit you to express my gratitude?"

Vivienne's address wouldn't be hard to replace, but out of politeness, she needed to ask for Vivienne's permission.

Arabella watched, wide-eyed. She had thought Judith was standing up for her, but instead, she was asking for Vivienne's address to thank her.

It was ridiculous!

Truly ridiculous!

Vivienne's eyes were downcast. Her beautiful face was obscured by the shadows. After a moment, she looked up and spoke in a serious and cold manner. "Judith, if I knew you were the matriarch of the Brooks family, I wouldn't have saved you."

Judith was taken aback. "Why is that?"

Vivienne ignored her and turned to Percival. "I'm tired."

Percival held her slender hand. "Let's go home."

The two of them left under the watchful eyes of the crowd.

Cecilia glanced at Arabella. Her expression was indifferent and cold. "Judith, you don't need to invite me to your granddaughter's parties anymore." With that, she turned and left.

After everyone had left, including Vivienne and Charlotte, the familial reunion banquet thrown by the Brooks family for Arabella came to an abrupt end. Whether anyone had noticed Arabella's talents remained unknown. However, Vivienne not only dazzled the attendees but also the online community. Someone had shared a video of Vivienne playing the piano, which had become an overnight sensation on the internet.

After the banquet, Vivienne's mood had taken a dip. Leaning into Percival, her downcast eyes hid her thoughts from the world.

Percival held her, sensing the sudden fragility of the girl in his arms.

Her unusual demeanor was due to Judith and Scott.

He leaned back into his leather chair with his deep-set eyes half-closed. His slender fingers gently tapped on the car window. Suddenly, his fingers halted. After looking down at Vivienne, he noticed that she had fallen asleep, perhaps from exhaustion.

Percival stayed silent for a moment before asking the chauffeur, Thomas, "What was the name of that girlfriend who left Scott just before their wedding?"

Thomas thought for a while before replying, "I think her name was... Karen?"

Percival's cold, narrow eyes contracted, and his imposing aura evaporated. Suddenly, he laughed.

Perfect!

He had noticed Vivienne's off mood today. She wasn't usually one to seek attention, but today, she had become the center of attention due to Arabella's comments, creating a dress and playing the piano. It turned out that she was Scott's biological daughter.

No wonder she never called Dorian 'dad.'

She knew everything but said nothing.

Percival squinted, his voice monotone. "The punishment she received in the mental hospital was too light."

He didn't know why Vivienne, knowing she was a Brooks, kept it to herself. But if Arabella dared take Vivienne's place, she would pay the price.

Thomas glanced at him through the rear-view mirror, asking, "Mr. Ellington, what do you mean?"

"The Brooks heiress, pregnant at just 18..." Percival looked down at the still-sleeping Vivienne as a slow smirk spread across his face. "Scott's reaction should be quite the spectacle." Thomas fell silent. It would be a spectacular spectacle indeed.