The Million-Dollar Heart novel Chapter 177

A subtle smirk crossed Percival's face as he realized his darling Vivienne could now feel jealous when it came to him.

"I'm not fond of you keeping secrets with other men either. Was that Debra whom you were exchanging glances with?"

"He’s just a friend." Vivienne responded indifferently, offering no explanation.

Percival's gaze shifted, sweeping over Scott, who was standing not far away. "The head of the Brooks family has been eyeing you as well."

Vivienne's cool gaze followed his, colliding with Scott's stare.

Perhaps it was her icy expression that caused Scott, who was accustomed to others cowering before his authority as the long-standing head of the Brooks family, to look away. However, he couldn't resist sneaking another glance.

For some reason, even though he had never met Vivienne, she seemed eerily familiar.

He thought he saw a shadow of Karen in her.

"Scott." After noticing Scott's continuous gaze on Vivienne, Beatrice began feeling a surge of anxiety. She stepped forward, trying to squeeze a smile onto her gloomy face, intentionally distracting him. "Arabella is about to take her college entrance exams. Have you discussed with her which university she's considering?"

"She's interested in Rivenwood University." Scott politely responded. Engaged in conversation with Beatrice, his gaze finally left Vivienne and settled on Arabella on the stage.

Arabella, reaching the climactic part of her performance, abruptly lifted her hand. The room fell silent as the piano music dramatically halted. As Arabella stood up to bow, the crowd applauded generously.

The first thing Arabella did was look for Percival's reaction, hoping her piano performance had moved him.

Regrettably, Percival's attention was solely on Vivienne.

Biting her lower lip, she didn’t step down from the stage. Instead, she smiled towards Vivienne in the crowd. "Your turn, sister. I'm eagerly waiting for your gift."

Everyone's eyes turned to Vivienne, waiting for her response.

"Arabella." Judith's face fell. "If Ms. Hawthorn doesn’t wish to play, don't pester her. It's impolite."

Judith was a tough woman. She had fought alongside Baron during the family feud. In the end, their efforts made the Brooks family the heads of the Hawthorn clan.

She could see through Arabella's petty games, and naturally, she stepped in to protect Vivienne, her savior.

Arabella went a bit pale. She hadn't anticipated that Judith would publicly reprimand her to protect Vivienne.

This was her banquet!

She was the star of the show!

And yet, Judith accused her of being rude?

"Ms. Hawthorn, it's our fault for not disciplining her properly. Please don't take it to heart." Judith apologized to Vivienne.

"And if I do mind, what then?" Vivienne’s eyes narrowed, her gaze on Judith was enigmatic.

"This…" Judith hesitated. "I'll make sure to discipline her properly when we get home."

"There’s no need." Vivienne’s gaze fell on Arabella as her lips curled into a smile. "Seeing as we're kin, I'll do the disciplining."

She emphasized the word 'kin' heavily.

A puzzled Judith didn't quite understand what she was up to.

Before she could react, Vivienne was already heading towards the stage.