The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 81

The moment Richard finished speaking, the private room fell into a deafening silence.

This stunned not only the Hawthorn family but also the Ellington clan.

The first to snap out of it was Ryan Ellington. He suddenly stood up, his face stern as he asked, "Dad! What the hell are you doing? The succession is a big freaking deal. You just made the decision without discussing it with us?"

Richard glanced at him and responded nonchalantly. "Discuss what? The success the Ellington Group enjoys is because of my blood, sweat, and tears. I don't need to discuss choosing my successor with anyone."

The Ellington Group was his own blood and sweat. He turned the Ellington family into the most prosperous family in Rivenwood, and only he knew the struggles he had gone through.

However, ten years ago, the Ellington Group started to decline. He was getting old and couldn't keep up with the times. Without innovation, the Ellington family would soon be surpassed by other families. At his age, he was pretty chill with the fame and wealth, but he had to hold onto them. Money was a pretty sweet thing, and it ensured the Ellington family's peace.

The Ellingtons only saw the prosperity in front of them, but they didn't see the downhill road the Ellington Group was on. And when the Ellington family was about to go under, it was Percival who brought the Ellington Group back from the dead.

Everyone knew Percival was disabled. They looked at him like a useless person, but they didn't know that he was a genius.

A long time ago, Richard decided to let Percival take over, but for some reasons, Percival had to pretend to be disabled and not draw attention to himself.

Now that Percival had voluntarily announced that his legs were healed, it proved that he could now carry on with some of his plans. So, it was high time to hand over the Ellington family to Percival.

"Dad, that's not fair!" Henry Ellington also stood up. Dissatisfaction was etched all over his face. "The Ellington Group was founded by you, yes, but over the years, we brothers have all been working hard for the company. Even if you want to choose a successor, it shouldn't be Percival. We, your sons, are still here. How is it appropriate for you to let your grandson take over?"

The others in the Ellington family echoed his thoughts. "Yeah, how can the successor be decided so casually? The Ellington family is such a large clan. How can you not think it through? Are you joking?" "Percival has no ambition, no knowledge, and he's a famous good-for-nothing. You want him to take over the family business? Are you trying to ruin the family?"

"If you really do this, we will split the family."

The Ellingtons were furious, one after another.

Percival's father, Nathan Ellington, and Cecilia remained silent.

They couldn't speak. This was to their advantage. If they spoke, their siblings would accuse them of being ambitious.

The Hawthorn family couldn't speak up in this situation either.

But everyone's thoughts were written all over their faces.

Especially Arabella. Resentment was evident all over her face.

If she had known that Percival's legs would heal and that he would become the successor of the Ellington family, she wouldn't have given Percival to Vivienne.

If she married Percival, she would have the power, and everyone would want to please her. However, she let Vivienne take such a great opportunity.

At this moment, she felt nothing but regret.

She must take back Percival.

Beatrice was also regretting it like crazy. How could she have predicted this sudden turn of events?

Percival had become the heir to the Ellington family, which meant that Vivienne would become the mistress of the Ellington family.

All of this should have been Arabella's.

"Hmph!" Richard snorted. "Are you guys threatening me because you think I'm old and weak? No one can change the decision I've made. You want to split up the family? Then do it after the engagement! Just don't regret it!"

He was really pissed off.

Vivienne was Dorian's daughter. As a father, he had the right to accept the dowry for his daughter's marriage. Beatrice taking the dowry was absurd.

Furthermore, Percival was his grandson. The Ellington Group was his life's work and he was leaving his greatest achievement to his most talented and beloved grandson. What right did those freeloading people have to object?

Did they seriously think he was old and had no temper?

The Ellingtons wanted to say something, but when they heard Richard's straightforward proposal to split the family, they immediately shut their mouths.

What a joke! Who had the guts to split the family up?

The Ellington family was the richest family in the city. If they left the Ellington family, they would no longer receive the dividends of the Ellington Group every year, and they would also lose the protection of the Ellington family. Who would do such a stupid thing?

But it was impossible for them to accept Percival as the successor.

Richard shot the Ellingtons a frosty glance. Seeing that they'd clammed up, he spoke icily, "This engagement has been dragging on forever already. I don't need any more petty interruptions. If any more of you Ellingtons dare butt in, you can get the hell out. And you Hawthorns, don't think I'm a pushover just because I'm old."

His aura was commanding, immediately cowing everyone into submission.

Having said his piece, Richard approached Dorian. "Mr. Hawthorn, the $88,000 betrothal gift was what you asked for. The 10 million dollars is our goodwill. My daughter-in-law must get the 10 million dollars." He looked around at everyone. "I want everyone to know that Vivienne is the girl I've chosen to be my daughter-in-law. Once she marries in, everything Percival has will be hers."

Dorian had wanted to refuse Richard's offer of 10 million dollars as a betrothal gift the first time it came up. But arguments had erupted among the Ellingtons over their succession issue, and he didn't get a chance to object.

Now he still wanted to refuse, but Richard had effectively shut him down.

He was grateful for Richard's love for Vivienne and had long dispelled his prejudices against them. But accepting 10 million dollars as a betrothal gift made him feel like he was selling his daughter. He couldn't stomach the idea.

As he was hesitating, Vivienne broke the silence. "Take it. It's a token of goodwill from the Ellingtons."

After a moment's silence, Dorian finally nodded. "Alright, I'll accept the 10 million. But when you get married, I'll give it back to you."

Richard had nothing more to say. More pleasantries would be pointless.

On the side, Cecilia was already not too fond of Vivienne. Now, after hearing Vivienne willingly accept the 10 million dollars, her impression of her soured even more. But considering Richard's current mood, she could only keep her mouth shut.

However, she was resolved to get Percival a different wife. That was a must!