The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 716

Vivienne's words were light, but her eyes sparkled with excitement.

No matter how many times she had seen it, the sight of Percival's chiseled abs never failed to make her swallow in appreciation.

Her slender, fair fingers traced over his toned muscles, while her other arm wrapped around Percival's neck. "Mr. Wolf, have you put on some weight lately? Your six-pack doesn't feel as rock-hard as before."

Percival thought to himself, “The cheeky little thing, teasing me like that.”

He caught her wandering hand in a firm grip, his voice husky, "Don't worry, the real workout starts soon, and I guarantee you'll be more than satisfied."

The Hawthorn Family's Soirée.

As a rising star in Rivenwood, Dorian had arranged the evening's reception at a modest yet charming boutique hotel.

The guest list included business associates and some of the newly acquainted local elite.

"I didn't expect such a turnout tonight. It seems that even a down-and-out camel is still bigger than a horse. I thought the Hawthorn family would never bounce back."

"What's there to be happy about? I wonder what sort of luck this country bumpkin stumbled upon to get cozy with the Ellingtons. If it weren't for that marriage, do you think anyone would give him the time of day?"

"That's why they say Ms. Hawthorn is so cunning. After everything that's happened, Mr. Ellington still stands by her side unwaveringly."

Anna, as Vivienne's bodyguard, heard every insult and slander.

"These people!"

This was unbearable!

Her eyes glinting with fury, she was about to confront them when Vivienne held her back, "Don't stoop to their level. Hitting them would be too good for them."

Percival stood by Vivienne's side in a tailored suit, his hand resting on her shoulder.

"Thomas, look into their companies. Since they have so much idle time, let's keep them busy."

Thomas nodded. "Don't worry, Percival, they won't get off easy."

To mess with the family of Vivienne? They were truly courting death!

"Vivienne!"

Just then, a chorus of excited young voices approached.

Vivienne didn't flinch, instead, she stooped slightly to embrace the children hugging her from either side. "Amelia's here too. You two rascals, make sure you and your friends have a blast today."

Isolde nodded vigorously. "Don't worry, Vivienne! I won't let Thaddeus bully Amelia!"

"That's nonsense!"

Thaddeus stamped his foot and said, "I didn't bully Amelia, right?"

He turned, his gaze falling on Amelia.

The little girl was dressed in a frock that Vivienne had made especially for her, looking timid at her first high-society event.

Thaddeus's defensive tone startled her.

Clutching the hem of her dress, Amelia nodded shyly and said, "No. Thaddeus didn't bully me, er, Ms. Hawthorn."

The awkward formality made Vivienne frown slightly.

Before she could speak, Kala, in an elegant cream mermaid gown, approached with a graceful stride, her face beautifully made up under the crystal chandeliers. "Vivienne, when did you arrive? I've been watching the door and didn't even see you."

She linked arms with Vivienne, completely encircling her with the children.

"I don't remember her. Thomas, throw her out."

"Right away!" Thomas effortlessly lifted her, heading towards the door.

Ramona's hand clutched at his wrist, about to make a move. In that moment, a gaze as sharp as a sword pinned her in place.

Ramona froze, holding back the urge to look away. Her mouth opened and closed, protesting, "Let me go! I am the new brand ambassador of the Hawthorn Group, you can't treat me like this!"

The new brand ambassador of the Hawthorn Group?

Vivienne's eyes flickered with a glint of surprise as she turned to face Kala. "I remember my dad only signed you as the brand ambassador. Who is she supposed to be?"

Kala's expression was tainted with distaste, "Didn't your father tell you? Ramona is the new darling the investors are pushing. In just three months, she went from a complete nobody to the hottest sensation in town."

Nobody seemed to know what Ramona did before her meteoric rise.

Kala had tried to dig up some dirt on her but found that Ramona's past was squeaky clean, which was unnerving.

Her ascent was alarmingly rapid, and within a few months, she had become a rival to Kala's team. The buzz was that Ramona had been shoehorned into the Hawthorn family endorsement deal by the higher-ups.

Vivienne was clueless about all this.

At that moment, Dorian had noticed the commotion and hurried over. He was struck by the sight of Ramona, being restrained by Thomas.

"Thomas, what on earth are you doing? Please let Ms. Grimshaw go."

Thomas remained still, his questioning gaze shifting to Percival.

With a slight nod from the man, Thomas finally eased his grip.

Ramona shrugged off his hold and dashed towards Dorian, "Mr. Hawthorn, is this how you treat your guests?! Don't think you're anything special just because your daughter hitched her wagon to the Ellingtons. A country bumpkin like you trying to compete with me? Please!"