The Million-Dollar Heart novel Chapter 264

Cathy was all riled up, but Richard wasn't inclined to continue arguing with her.

He turned to Heloise. "And then there's your eldest son. He spends all his days obsessing over his paintings. I've offered him a chance to gain experience in the company, but he stubbornly refuses. Your daughter, Fiona, on the other hand, works her heart out for the company. And what has she received in return?"

Heloise raised an eyebrow, choosing to remain silent.

"Just the other day, her jewelry studio needed more materials but was short on funds. Do you think the 5 million I gave her was coughed up by a dog?"

Heloise remained silent. Her gaze was unfathomable.

How could 5 million compare to 30 million?

"You lot turn your noses up at Percival, but do you realize that the wealth you enjoy is all thanks to him?" Richard stated.

"What?" Ryan and Cathy's faces were a picture of disbelief.

Heloise was equally shocked as her gaze subconsciously landed on Richard.

Even Cecilia seemed to be temporarily dumbfounded.

Only Nathan appeared unsurprised.

After a moment, Cathy found her voice. "How is that possible? Ever since his accident, he's been idle. He doesn't even know how to read the company's reports. How could he have brought us wealth?"

"Humph!" Richard scoffed. "That's because you're both ignorant and dull. Percival has been involved in the company's affairs for a decade, and it was largely thanks to him that the company survived through its toughest times. Without him, do you really think you'd be living the life you are now?"

Cathy and Heloise fell silent.

Percival was a good-for-nothing. They'd never believe such news out of the blue.

But given Richard's earnestness, they found themselves having to reconsider the way they thought of Percival.

Heloise stayed silent, but Cathy was unable to let Vivienne off so easily.

Why was it that when Percival's fiancée arrived, Richard could do nothing but sing her praises, but when her son, Paul, brought a girlfriend home, Richard found fault with everything about her?

With this thought, Cathy continued to voice her frustration. "The 30 million is spent, so we, the Ellingtons, should at least have a share of the stone."

"Why? It was through her own skill that she found the gemstone, so why should she share it with you? You think you're something special because you're a Ellingtons? So what? Who do you think you are?" Richard glared at her.

Vivienne finally couldn't help but laugh.

Richard turned to her as a smile played on his lips. "Did you enjoy Grandpa's joke?"

Vivienne grinned. "Not bad at all!"

Anyone who could casually insult the entire Ellington family deserved respect.

"Paul's mother's last name isn't Ellington." Vivienne pointed out seriously.

Although Cathy was Ryan's wife, she still had her own last name.

"Exactly. Why is she demanding a share of your wealth on behalf of the Ellington family?"

Vivienne thought about it and found herself agreeing with Richard.

While watching Richard and Vivienne banter, Cathy felt ignored and disrespected. Her anger was almost palpable.

"She's just a young girl, without money or influence, and yet she buys such expensive gifts for you and Cecilia. It's obvious she's using Percival's money," Cathy insisted. She was determined to have Vivienne part with the gemstone.

Paul chimed in. "Exactly, Grandpa. She used our family's money to get that precious stone. Now the money's gone, and she's not willing to give us the stone. It's clear she's also using Percival's money to buy gifts. If this continues, this little girl will ruin our family."

Percival glanced at Paul and spoke in a calm and steady tone. "Vivienne paid for the stone. Did you not hear? If you're having trouble understanding, maybe you should seek medical help. If you can't find a doctor, let me know. I can help."

He shrugged carelessly as he continued to humiliate his cousin. "A psychiatric hospital might be a good fit for you. Need me to give you a ride?"

"Percival! You!" Paul jumped up, feeling utterly infuriated. "You're the one who's insane!"