The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The air turned chilly instantly, and Melissa’s expression darkened as she shot her daughter a sharp

look. “Ashley, what are you talking about?”

Ashley, one earbud dangling, gave Vivienne a defiant glance. “I’m gaming here, and besides, whatever

I say shouldn’t bother you, right? You’re so generous, aren’t you?”

Vivienne’s eyes darkened. “I don’t waste my time arguing with idiots.”

“Who are you calling an idiot?” Ashley snapped, flinging her headphones aside as she glared at

Vivienne.

Percival stepped in front of Vivienne, his gaze heavy upon Ashley. “Whoever takes offense is who

Vivienne calls an idiot. Got a problem with that, Ms. Ashley?”

Still somewhat resentful towards Percival, Ashley pursed her lips and sat down with a cold huff.

Melissa rushed to soothe Vivienne. “Don’t mind her, Vivienne. I’ve spoiled Ashley rotten.”

Vivienne shook her head. For Melissa’s sake, she could endure a little.

Percival handed out gifts to everyone, and when he reached Carl, the man shouted in surprise. “Is this

the latest racing helmet? I’ve been on the waiting list for six months, and still nothing, and you just

snagged two!”

While not overly expensive, it was the perfect gift for a professional racer.

“If you like it, that’s what matters,” Percival said with a smile, sitting beside Vivienne.

Vivienne then pulled out a set of jewelry for Melissa, a final masterpiece by the acclaimed designer

Master Jessica, priceless and unobtainable.

Melissa gasped, “Vivienne, this is far too precious. I can’t accept it!”

Vivienne’s identity as Master Jessica was not widely known yet, so Melissa did not grasp the

significance of the gift. However, she was aware of the buzz Master Jessica’s final creation had made

online.

“It’s not that precious. Please, take it,” Vivienne insisted, having plucked it from her collection without a

second thought.

Melissa held the jewelry lovingly, reluctant to accept it, knowing Vivienne’s earnings did not come easy.

In a whisper, she suggested to Vivienne, “Such a fine piece should be a gift for Mrs. Ellington,

Percival’s mother. She’d appreciate it, and it seems a waste to give it to me.”

Vivienne knew Melissa was hinting at improving her relationship with Percival’s mother, but it really was

not necessary—a simple bottle of perfume would do.

“It’s not a waste. It’s for you.”

“Yeah, come on, Mom. Vivienne’s giving you a gift, and you’re refusing? That’s like a slap in her face.

Besides, did she take less from us, the Brooks family? Remember the set Grandma gave her? Just as

valuable.”

Ashley could not help but add sarcastically, still envious of the bracelets Judith had given Vivienne.

Yet those valuable bracelets could not avoid Vivienne’s eventual betrayal of her grandmother!

The mood turned frosty again until Kala could no longer hold back. “Ashley, if you can’t stand being

here, just leave. No one wants you around!”

Darren also tried to calm his sister. “Just be quiet, will you?”

“Vivienne could cripple you in a heartbeat. Don’t ask for it!” He thought.

Seeing her brother, Darren, side with Vivienne made Ashley even more bitter. She lashed out, pushing

him away. “You two are like weeds swaying with the wind, siding with whoever treats you well. Who

was it just a while ago complaining to me about Vivienne being heartless? It was you!”

Kala, reminded of her past statements, could not deny the accusation.

Darren was even more silent. Indeed, he had muttered a slight complaint, but he truly harbored no real

animosity toward Vivienne.

Ashley, seeing no one responding, continued. “Now that she’s helped you, you’re all grateful. Well, I’ll

never forgive Vivienne. Because of her, the Brooks family is in shambles!”

With that, she hurled Melissa’s jewelry to the floor and tossed Carl’s helmet aside before storming out.

Melissa scolded, “What’s gotten into that child? Don’t be angry, Vivienne. She’s just spouting

nonsense.”

Ronald quickly added, “Yes, Vivienne, please don’t be offended. I’ll deal with Ashley.”

Before Vivienne could respond, shouts erupted from outside.

“Ashley, are you blind? You nearly killed me!” The owner of this voice was very similar.

Everyone rushed out to see what had happened to Ashley, with Vivienne andBooks Chapters Are Daily

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Percival following behind.

“Charlotte, you’re the one who’s blind!”

Out in the hall, Ashley was holding her head and berating someone.

Standing opposite her were Charlotte and Griffin.

Charlotte was about to retort when she caught sight of Vivienne and rushed over, enveloping her in an

ecstatic hug. “Vivienne, I’ve missed you like crazy!”

Caught in the embrace, Vivienne could only think, “Can we not do this, please?”

Percival pulled Charlotte off Vivienne with a possessive air, declaring, “Only I get to hug my Vivienne!”

Charlotte rolled her eyes. “Jeez, stingy much?”

Vivienne caught Charlotte in her arms, “What brings you here?”

Previously, Charlotte had been tutoring Thaddeus, which seemed to have done wonders for his mood;

the kid was getting quite bold.

But then the Brooks family drama kicked up a storm, and Vivienne had to step in to sort out their mess,

so she told Charlotte her tutoring services were no longer needed.

Lately, Vivienne had been swamped. Charlotte had called a few times, wanting to catch up over lunch,

but Vivienne had to turn her down.

Vivienne had not expected to bump into Charlotte today, of all days.

“It’s not just me. Faye’s supposed to be here, too. She couldn’t make it today because she had classes.

If she’d known she’d run into you, she’d have skipped classes in a heartbeat!” Charlotte beamed.

“I heard all about you from Griffin. You’re the senior of her stubborn jackass fiancé! Who would’ve

thought we’d have such a connection!”

Vivienne was at a loss for words.

Griffin massaged her temples, “Could you not describe it like that? It sounds like you’re bad-mouthing

Vivienne.”

“How could I possibly insult Vivienne? That would be like betraying my own mentor,” Charlotte

chuckled, wrapping her arms around Vivienne. “Come on, let’s go paint the town red. Next time, we’ll

bring Faye along. I’ve missed her terribly!”

Vivienne gently pushed Charlotte away, “Not today. I’ve got dinner plans with my aunt.”

That was when Ashley caught on, pointing an accusatory finger at Charlotte, “I was wondering how you

took my place. Clearly, it was all thanks to Vivienne’s meddling. Vivienne, how do you have the nerve to

say you care about our family?”