The Million-Dollar Heart novel Chapter 176

Vivienne shot Helen a half-smile that brought back vivid memories of her recent stage fright. The memory was so powerful that it stole the words right out of Helen's mouth.

"Sis," Arabella said, looking at Vivienne with pleading eyes. "I know I've never been a real sister to you, but all I want is to hear you play the piano once. Is that too much to ask?"

"You..." Vivienne’s demeanor turned icy, "aren't worthy."

She was so harsh that they drew furrowed brows from the surrounding crowd, particularly from the Hawthorn clan. Aside from Judith, Scott, and Ashley, everyone seemed irate at Vivienne's cold treatment of Arabella.

After all, Arabella was now the heiress of the Brooks family. Regardless of past quarrels, Vivienne's public humiliation of her seemed uncalled for.

"Vivienne, if you can't play, just admit it. There’s no need to put on a show." A brash male voice echoed from the crowd.

Percival's brow furrowed as he turned to face the source of the disruption. It was Paul, whose face was begging to be punched.

The last beating hadn't been enough. Richard had specifically called him back to Rivenwood to keep him away from Arabella, and yet here he was.

"Arabella." Paul stepped forward, presenting her with a gift. "I hope you like it."

Arabella opened the small box to reveal a one-carat diamond necklace. On any other day, such a gift would have thrilled her. But in the presence of Vivienne's Ophelia's Heart, it seemed less impressive.

"I love it." She said. Her voice was hollow, but her face was beaming as she put on the necklace. She then turned to Vivienne with a look of disappointment. "Sis, won't you really give me this gift?"

The more Vivienne refused to perform, the more Arabella grew certain that she couldn't play. This made her all the more determined to force Vivienne on stage, make her embarrass herself, and highlight her own talents.

"Ha!" Paul scoffed. "She's just a country bumpkin. What would she know about playing the piano? Arabella, you're wasting your time."

Before, Paul might have found some agreement among the crowd. However, after the recent runway incident and the revelation of Vivienne's identity as the mysterious designer Charles, no one dared underestimate her.

Paul, newly arrived, was still arrogantly belittling Vivienne. "No matter how much a turkey struts, it'll never be a peacock. Arabella, she's no match for you. Your piano playing has won awards. Why don't you go up and give us a real show?"

This was just what Arabella had been waiting for. She moved towards the stage, turning to Vivienne to say, "Sis, I know you're nervous. Let me go first and warm up the audience. You can follow me."

Vivienne watched as Arabella decided everything on her own. Her face was a mask of indifference.

"Why are you warming up for her?" Paul laughed. "Does she deserve it?"

Percival's eyes narrowed. He was ready to intervene.

"Paul!" Cecilia steered her daughter, Isolde, through the crowd towards him. Her eyes looked cold and frightening.

Paul jumped. "Auntie."

"Apologize to Vivienne." Cecilia demanded, "Don't make me tell your mother how you're embarrassing yourself."

To Cecilia, Vivienne was already part of the family, and she wouldn't tolerate anyone insulting her.