The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 223

In an alley notorious for its illicit activities.

Arabella was struggling to stand up in a cramped, damp room. Her legs were weak, and she could barely manage to move with the support of the stained and disgusting walls.

The men on the ship had skillfully severed the tendons in her hands and feet, only leaving her able to perform basic tasks like eating, but with much difficulty.

After being sold to the owners of this place, she was confined to this small room, where she entertained clients around the clock.

As a newcomer, even with a scar on her face, she was fresh and alluring to their entire clientele. For the past few days, she barely had a chance to rest except during meal times.

She'd had enough. She could no longer endure living in that damp and disgusting room. The foul-smelling men who treated her like a plaything made her feel like she was living a life worse than that of a pig or a dog.

She secretly tore her sheets, intending to tie them to the iron bars covering the window and hang herself.

Just as she was about to do it, the door was suddenly pushed open. The men guarding her saw her actions and began to spew curses in a language she didn't understand. They dragged her off the bed and began pummeling her brutally and mercilessly.

The strips of cloth she had intended to use for suicide became a tool to bind her to the bed.

The men who had beaten her showed no mercy, even though she was already covered in bruises.

She saw a short man entering her room, and then her eyes suddenly filled with an even greater despair.

Saturday.

At Havenwood Opera House.

Mila's concert was a grand affair, especially in Havenwood, where Debra was invited as a guest.

Debra, with his massive fan base and strong influence, made the concert tickets sell out the moment the news was released.

Astrid had managed to get hold of seven tickets only after much effort.

Astrid was dressed up to the nines for the event since she was a big fan of Mila. Alfred joked that she made it seem as if they were going to a matchmaking event rather than a concert. Dorian and the others had also dressed formally for the occasion.

Only Vivienne was still in a white T-shirt and jeans. She stood out like a sore thumb among the formally dressed audience.

She wasn't interested in Mila's piano concert; she was just there to keep Astrid company and make her happy.

She was bored and waiting for Percival to arrive when she noticed a middle-aged man trying to bypass the metal detectors.

She frowned and walked over to him.

Backstage at the opera house.

Today, Mila also invited the Brooks family.

Out of courtesy, Judith and Scott had brought the whole family along.

They arrived earlier than Vivienne's family, and Calista had personally led them to the backstage.

Calista was also dressed up. She wore a white split dress, her hair was tied up high, and her usual spectacles were replaced with contacts. She looked less like her usual dignified self and more like an alluring vixen.

Mila, in a royal blue designer dress, had just finished her makeup. Upon seeing the Brooks family walk in, she immediately greeted Judith with a beaming smile.

Judith returned the smile with a nod.

"Scott, do I look good today?" Mila's gaze lingered on Scott. She intentionally showcased her figure. "You once said blue suits me best."

"I did?" Scott couldn't recall ever saying that.

"Yes, you did." Mila's face flushed a little. She hadn't seen Scott in two months, which was rare.

Over the years, she frequently visited the Brooks Mansion in Rivenwood, trying her best to get closer to Scott.

Two months ago, just as she was planning to take their relationship to the next level, Scott suddenly acknowledged a daughter, Arabella.

Arabella was very smart and saw through her intentions towards Scott. She taunted Mila until she had no choice but to back off.

Fortunately, Arabella wasn't Scott's biological daughter. Now, without Arabella around, there would be no one to stop her from marrying Scott.

"Oh." Scott frowned but still complimented her out of politeness. "You look fine."

Mila's lips curled into a smile.

Ashley saw Mila's expression and gave a knowing wink to Melissa and Judith, suppressing her laughter.

Everyone knew about Mila's feelings for Scott over the years.

To be honest, Scott had been mourning Karen for many years. Now that Karen was gone, Judith, as a mother, hoped that there would be someone who could care for her eldest son.

But if Scott had no feelings for Mila, she wouldn't force him. After all, she knew how deep Scott's feelings for Karen were.

"Mila, there's some disturbance at the entrance."

At that moment, a staff member came over to inform Mila about the disturbance.

"What's going on?" Mila frowned. With her manager not around and unable to replace anyone else, she turned to Calista. "Calista, could you handle this?"

Calista nodded and followed the staff member to the entrance. She saw Vivienne standing there with a cold expression behind Dorian's family and Alfred.

Calista gave Vivienne a once-over, noticing her casual attire of a T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers. She couldn't help but sneer to herself.

Such poor taste!

She walked over and asked the middle-aged man, who was clearly confronting Vivienne. "What happened?"

"This woman suddenly attacked me when I was entering!" The middle-aged man angrily pointed at Vivienne.

Calista finally turned her attention to Vivienne. "Mila's piano performances are a treat for individuals of refined taste, not for those who thrive on creating a ruckus. Perhaps you should leave; I fear your presence might tarnish the elegance of this place."

Her tone was courteous, but she was clearly reprimanding her.

Vivienne nonchalantly raised an eyebrow, giving Calista a casual glance. She clearly sensed the hostility emanating from Calista.

"Miss, you've only heard one side of the story and have made your judgment without a single question. Don't you think you're being rather hasty?" Astrid stepped forward, positioning herself protectively by Vivienne's side. My sister noticed this individual hiding a knife while trying to sneak past security into the concert hall. That's why she intervened! You can check the surveillance footage if you don't believe me!' She pointed at the onlookers around them. "If that's not enough, you can ask them!"

The spectators nodded in agreement. "Yes, indeed. We saw the man drop a knife after this young woman stopped him."

It was then that Calista noticed the knife lying on the floor.

"My sister risked her safety for the security of your concert. Yet, you insulted her." Astrid said coldly, "I think an apology is in order."

The crowd agreed as they murmured, "Yes, indeed. You unfairly insulted her without understanding the full situation."

"An apology is due."