The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 297

Calista had always been a source of admiration, but never had she been treated with such blatant disregard.

She was once the rising star of the medical field, but now, compared to Vivienne, she felt like a plain sparrow next to a phoenix, not even worth a single strand of Vivienne's hair.

"I didn't mean it like that; I just..." Calista tried to defend herself, but Vivienne didn't give her the chance.

"Didn't you ask me to share my experience and insights, Calista? Did you not notice that your new theory is flawed after hearing me speak about my paper?"

Calista's eyes widened in shock. Her gaze was fixed on Vivienne, as if she wanted to tear her apart limb from limb.

Her theory was flawed? What a joke!

Even if Vivienne was the brilliant Eunice, did that give her the right to tarnish her paper?

Her research was recognized by professionals in the field and even won awards immediately after its publication.

"Vivienne," Professor Madison asked respectfully, "could you specify what's wrong with Calista's paper?"

Vivienne answered calmly, "Her experimental data was affected by the environment. Both temperature and humidity are crucial factors. Calista only took into account the temperature during the experiment but overlooked how the recent hot and humid weather could have affected the results."

She looked at Calista, whose face was gradually turning pale, and asked mockingly, "Unless I'm mistaken, the variables you set are also problematic, right?"

Even a non-professional would know that under such circumstances, the experimental results would be inaccurate.

She pointed out several issues that none of the professors or researchers present had noticed, immediately earning everyone's admiration.

"No wonder she's Eunice. She spotted the issues at a glance. I could study for another twenty years and still not reach her level."

"I'm glad I attended this seminar today, or I would have regretted it."

Professor Madison also nodded in agreement, then turned to the ashen-faced Calista. "Calista, there's always someone better out there. Vivienne is far superior to you. It's ludicrous for you to doubt her knowledge."

Calista felt like she had lost all her dignity. She wished she could just dig a hole and hide in it forever.

She was a renowned doctor.

She was the pride of the Pendleton family.

But in front of Vivienne, her knowledge and reputation meant nothing. They vanished like snowflakes in the sun.

"Vivienne, could I ask you to sit with us for a while?"

"Vivienne, could I trouble you to look at my paper for a few minutes?"

No one paid any attention to Calista anymore. Instead, they were all flocking to Vivienne, hoping to learn from her and get a taste of her knowledge.

"Sorry, I'm a bit busy right now." With that, Vivienne turned and left.

As she watched Vivienne's retreating figure, Calista's eyes filled with a loathsome hatred.

Why could Vivienne easily steal her glory? Even Percival only had eyes for her.

Everyone gave her all their attention and respect without even caring about anyone else. Worse, Vivienne didn't even care.

Calista had never felt so defeated. She gritted her teeth as her heart burned and ached with envy and hatred.

She would not lose to Vivienne.

She would make Vivienne realize that there could only be one legend in the medical field, and only she, Calista, was worthy of Percival.

If Vivienne tried to stop her, she would kick this stumbling block out of her way and completely destroy her.

Before the medical seminar ended, Vivienne left and returned to the Brooks Mansion.

"Vivienne!"

As soon as she got home, Kala spotted her. She was idling in the living room, and once she saw Vivienne, she pulled her into her room.

"If you didn't come back soon, I would have died of boredom. You have no idea how bored I am."

Ever since their late-night encounter, Kala had treated her as a friend.

She was busy with work and was rarely at home, so she took this opportunity to relax.

Unfortunately, her mother Cheryl kept a close eye on her and wouldn't let her wander around. Kala was cooped up in the house all day and felt like she was going crazy.

Kala lay down on the soft bed, propped her chin up, and asked Vivienne, who was sitting next to her, "Vivienne, how did you like the pictures I gave you last time? If you liked them, I have a whole bunch more. I believe in sharing good things. Don't worry, I can keep a secret."

Vivienne sat in her room, feeling completely at ease. "Not bad," she replied lazily.

Pictures of naked men were fine, but Mr. Wolf got extremely jealous and had all the pictures taken away and burned.

He even suggested that if she needed such services, he could provide them himself.

"But I'm a bit tired of them."

"I see." Kala smiled as she propped her chin up. "You're already engaged. Looking at these pictures is not as good as looking at the real thing, huh? I wish I could meet my other half..."

Kala's voice trailed off as she lost herself in her memories. Despite being a top actress in the entertainment industry and a sought-after triple-crown winner, she faced many hardships when she first entered the circle.

She remembered how she had hidden her status as a Brooks and made cameo appearances in various TV shows, only to be drugged and sent to a powerful man's bed.

She was so groggy at the time that she couldn't resist. She thought she was going to lose her innocence.

But the man didn't touch her. Instead, he gave the person who had drugged her a severe beating.

When she woke up and wanted to thank him, there was no one in the room. She hadn't even gotten a good look at his face.

Kala had always remembered this incident. Even now, she couldn't forget that man.

If she could meet him again, she would definitely not hesitate to tell him how she felt.

"Vivienne, do you believe in love at first sight?" Lost in her memories, Kala asked without thinking.

Vivienne paused as her mind flung itself into turmoil. After a few seconds, she finally replied, "It depends on the person."

She couldn't understand why Percival's face kept popping up in her head. Ever since she found out Percival was Mr. Wolf, they seemed to be getting closer and closer.

She had never trusted someone to this extent before.

The rarity of these feelings left Vivienne feeling lost. Her heart fluttered in her chest more often than she'd like.

Kala, however, grinned cheekily. "I believe in love at first sight. If I see him again, I'm definitely going to make him mine!"

After announcing her intentions, she sighed dramatically and flopped onto the bed.

"But I'm so bored right now. I can't stay stuck in this house any longer. I need to get out and breathe in some fresh air."

As she swung her legs restlessly, Kala suddenly perked up, and a feverish excitement appeared in her voice. "Hey! There's a NASCAR race at North Peak today. Why don't we go check it out?" Kala was a bundle of energy. She was always at the forefront when there was fun to be had.

"I'd rather not." Vivienne declined.

However, Kala wasn't one to take no for an answer, and she began to nag persistently, pulling out all the stops to get Vivienne to come with her.

"Come on! What do you say? This time, we'll do what I want. Next time, we can do what you want. I promise I'll go along with whatever you have in mind." Kala was practically throwing a tantrum at this point.

Feeling somewhat helpless, Vivienne finally agreed. "Fine! Let's go!"

Despite her quirks, Kala was a good friend. Besides, it was better than sitting around doing nothing.