The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)
Chapter 872

Percy's face darkened with anger as he spoke icily, "You can't keep avoiding her forever. I need to speak with Mom about something. Let's go in together."

Nate hesitated for a moment, then decided, "Alright, I'll go in with you. Even if she still refuses to speak to me, it's worth seeing her."

Entering the room, they found Cecilia elegantly seated, wearing a deep teal dress that exuded sophistication. She was busy threading pearls, her expression serene.

Little Izzy was bouncing around, excitedly fiddling with the beads, "Mom, I want to make one too! Please?"

Cecilia frowned slightly but smiled, "And what would you do with it, darling? You'd just scatter pearls everywhere, causing a mess for others to clean up." Nate watched her, his gaze filled with a mix of longing and sorrow.

He stepped forward, passionately blurting out, "We can always get more pearls, or any treasure you desire. I'd even pluck the stars from the sky for you!"

Cecilia's gaze flickered, taken aback for a moment before she refocused on her task and hummed softly.

Izzy, lively as ever, jumped into Nate's arms, her eyes sparkling. Mimicking Nate, she exclaimed, "We can have all the pearls we want, huh!"

Then, in a sweet, coaxing tone, she asked, "Daddy, up! I want to be lifted high!"

Nate felt a warmth spreading through his heart, hugging Izzy closer.

Cecilia glanced their way, a fleeting shadow of sadness in her eyes before she resumed her work.

Percy, sitting across from Cecilia, broke the news, "Mom, we've found Vivienne's biological father. It's Arthur Linklater."

Cecilia paused, her demeanor brightening at the mention of Vivienne, "That's wonderful! Vivienne is such a remarkable girl. Finding her father gives her another pillar of support. Percy, you've truly outdone yourself!"

Percy didn't know what to say.

Cecilia continued, "You better treat Vivienne right. I won't step in if the War God comes after you for mistreating her."

"Actually, Yorick invited you, Dad, and Grandpa to Vivienne's reunion feast," Percy said, watching his mother closely.

"I'll be there," Cecilia assured firmly, "Even if not as an Ellington, Vivienne is like a daughter to me. I wouldn't miss it for the world."

The conversation shifted, and Percy suggested they talk more privately in another room, leaving Nate puzzled about what could be so secretive.

As night fell over the Ellington Mansion, Nate staggered into the foyer, visibly upset and intoxicated, lamenting over Percy siding with Cecilia on a divorce matter.

Mara, wearing a sleek white nightgown, peeked from the staircase, overhearing the commotion. The thought of losing her grip on the Ellington family terrified her, especially after her failed attempt to secure he position by drugging Nate.

Seeing an opportunity in Nate's vulnerable state, Mara approached him with a seductive intent. Despite her allure, Nate, in his dazed state, pushed her away, murmuring Cecilia's name in a desperate plea. Mara, fueled by jealousy and spite, vowed to take drastic measures, plotting another deceitful act to bind Nate to her.

Mara turned and ascended the staircase once more, her footsteps echoing back to her room with a distinct tap, tap, tap.

Her silhouette vanished against the vast screen of the private cinema housed within Ellington Manor, her steps resonating clearly in the opulent space.

Richard had never been much for such extravagances. One year, for Kenneth Ellington's birthday, Percival had gone and built him a cinema. Who knew it would come to be used like this?

Vivienne's features remained unblemished by emotion, her gaze icy.

Percival sat in the cinema, a statue in the dim light, an aura of chill emanating from him. His lips were a tight line, his expression dark with anger.

He turned to Cecilia, her face blurred by tears, and said, "Mom, don't worry. She won't be able to manipulate Dad like that."

Even Cecilia, always the embodiment of propriety, was livid, her complexion flushed with anger as she pointed a trembling finger at the screen, choked with sobs and rage, "That woman! She's a disaster, through and through! The shameless things she says, trying her tricks again! I bet that's how she lured Dad that night! What a vile creature!"

Vivienne gently patted Cecilia's back, her voice soft yet somber, "I believe Dad wouldn't let such a thing happen. And I won't let it happen again."

"Nathan has become so gullible, growing more so by the day. Even if that woman doesn't succeed tonight, I'm going to divorce him!" Cecilia cried out in despair.