The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 880

Guests had yet to lay eyes on Karen's calligraphy when Roger, the cheeky old man, made a swift exit, fearing someone might snatch the masterpiece from him. The crowd called after him, "Roger, let us have a look before you dash off!" But Roger wasn't having any of it. He hadn't paid a dime for it. What if someone offered a higher bid after just one glance?

The crowd: Such a renowned artist, and yet so petty!

Karen just laughed it off, unbothered, as a glare of pure jealousy shot her way. Turning towards the source of the glare, her lips curled into a smile, charming and alluring.

Alyssa's once bustling exhibit of calligraphy was now deserted. Some guests wore expressions of regret; even the gentleman who had made an offer was eager to see Karen's work. A rage uncontained shimmered in her eyes. She couldn't accept this reality. She was supposed to be the star of the show, confident of victory, yet she lost!

She was Alyssa Wright of Rivenwood, raised in a family that valued arts and culture, praised for her intelligence and diligence by her tutors. She was no amateur. How could Karen surpass her!

Kate stopped reading the live stream comments, wishing she could smash her phone. Had she known the outcome would be this, she would have never suggested a live vote. The embarrassment wasn't just on Alyssa but also on the entire Wright family of Rivenwood!

After three rounds, Karen, parched and tired, took a sip from her glass of water, savoring it, "What a refreshing drink!" She approached Alyssa, chin slightly lifted, looking down at her, "Are you still up for the challenge?"

Alyssa's hands trembled, her gaze sharp, her face flushed, "So what if you won the first three rounds? Are you asking this to humiliate me?"

Karen poured herself another glass of water, blowing away the bubbles before taking a sip, "I was just asking, why do you have to overthink it,"

Alyssa's eyes welled up, feigning pity. She aimed to portray Karen as arrogant and disrespectful in front of a national audience. Comments started to turn against Karen, with some viewers sympathizing with Alyssa, while others criticized her for being manipulative.

Karen's image took a hit, with only a few standing by her side.

Kate scoffed, "It's just a family gathering, no need to make a scene. Let's skip the voting, shall we?"

Before Karen could respond, Arthur, unable to hold back his anger, intervened, "No vote? Who do you think you are? You dare to trouble my wife and then refuse to accept defeat? This competition will be decided by a live vote, and I'll make sure of it. Someone set up a voting platform now!"

The moment Arthur spoke, Kate might as well have been invisible, shrinking back like a scolded puppy, silent. Alyssa's tears streamed down her face uncontrollably, her lips trembling in disbelief at Arthur's heartlessness. He had stripped her of her dignity in front of everyone, without a shred of consideration.

Anguish and fury burned in her gaze as she looked at Karen, wishing she could tear her apart. This brief encounter was broadcasted in high definition and slow motion by Percival to the viewers of his live stream, unbeknownst to Kate.

Vivienne, not missing a beat, pulled up surveillance footage of Alyssa provoking Karen on her laptop. With her phone in hand, she logged into her verified Twitter account and posted the video with a caption that could stir any drama enthusiast: "Alyssa thinks she's a match for Arthur? Watch Karen take her down."