The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 318

Dorian sensed a shift in the atmosphere, and as he glanced up, he found Richard’s probing gaze on

him

He blinked, taken aback, and asked, ‘Richard, why are you watching me like that?”

Richard, casually moving his gaze away responded It’s nothing Just a thought that crossed my mind

(at’s eat!

As his gaze shifted to Vivienne, he noticed her calm demeanor as she quietly set aside her dish of

spicy niba. A reatization dawned on him then.

As the lady of the Ellington family, Cecilia was well acquainted with high society. She was no foot and

had noticed the tension between Visterne and Dorian. Upon hearing Dorian’s question, she began to

connect the dots but chose to remain silent.

After dinner, Cecilia had dessert served.

As she was about to offer the strawberry cake to Vivienne, Donian interjected. “Mis Ellington. Vivierre

prefers mango mousse cake. Hease give the strawberry cake. Cecilia paused then glanced at Vivienne

before handing the strawberry cake to Doriani.

Just as Donian was about to dig in, holde cocked her head and asked. “Uncle Donan, how could you

mix up Vivienne’s favorite dish and now her favorite dessert?

Donian froze “What?”

Ceolia promptly scolded holde “Don’t talk nonsense Isolde ”

isolde pouted. I’m not Vivienne’s favorite dish is sweet and sour ribs, and she loves strawberry cake.

She‘ x allergic to mangões, Uncle Dorian How could you forgert

Donan tumed sharply to Vivienne met her inscrutable gaze, and felt a sinking feeling in his heart.

She was testing him.

He quickly composed himself and apologized Im sorry, Vivienne. I’ve been feeling tired since you left

Riverwood so my memory isn’t what it used to be forget about your allergy to mangoes

Vivienne quirked a smile, picked up the strawberry cake, and took a bite “No harm done”

Donan wanted to say more, but, seeing that Vivienne wasn’t interested in further conversation, he

quietly resumed his meal

Cordelia wanted to contribute to the conversation, but fearing she would slip up, she decided to stay

quiet

Richard’s gaze lingered on Vivienne and Dorian for a moment before he stood up and said. “Dorian,

let’s play chess after dinner We haven’t done so in a while. Percival, why don’t you show Vivienne

around?”

After the pair left, Percival led Vivienne through the Ellington’s family’s sprawling backyard. They didn’t

speak until they reached the garden swing

“When did you realize they were imposters” Percival asked

Vivienne met his gaze and smiled. “You noticed too?”

“Even a fool would see through such poor acting Percival replied coldly

Vivienne was quiet

“When did you find out? Percival asked while leading Vivienne to sit down on the swing

“As soon as they arrived” Vivienne replied flatly

She had been suspicious since Donan had inexplicably missed her reunion banquet. It was confirmed

during their first meal when the imposters failed to remember her

favontes

The real Donan would never mix up her preferences

They wouldn’t entrust Thaddeus to his aunt, nor would they allow Thaddeus to take a break from

school.

How could he resign from Alliance Enterprises? The annual salary was more than satisfying for the real

Dorian

They certainly wouldn’t put up with Dawson, the chairman of Alliance Enterprises, berating Donan

either.

“Where is the real Mr Hawthom? Have you searched for him? Percival asked knowing that Vivienne

would not take action without certainty

“We’re searching No clues so far Vivienne caid with a grimace

I have my people look into it Percival offered and pulled out his phone to make a

“Might as well” Vinente agreed. She could see the ment in the suggestion

After hanging up. Percival took Viviennes hand “You should’ve told me sooner

Vivere looked at him and smiled Ainght. Til tell you sooner next time ”

“Dont worry too much I promise to bring them back safely Percival reassured her

“They wont harm Mr Hawthorn and Cordelia until they get what they want Vivienne glanced towards the

mansion and spoke with a

“They want the potion? Percival frowned in question

“Yeah”

“Let them try We’ll see if they have the guts to take it Percivals voice was as cold as sa

After chatting for a while.

rvals phone suddenly rang

He answered the cal and his expression turned serious as he listered to the

After hanging up. Percival turned to Vivienne Videre I have a business call to take uput

“Sure”

Vivienne never questioned Percival work

Wait for me hers

She knew his team was doing the same work her mother had done, so some things were top secret

After Percival left Vivienne, feeling bored and alone, leaned back on the porch swing and duzed off

14:11

Suddenly, a voice called from behind her “Vivienne?”

Vivienne opened her eyes to see Paul rounding the comer from behind her. She raised an eyebrow and

asked. “What’s up?”

“Why are you here alone? Paul asked in a gentle tone

Vivienne smirked and looked at him with amusement. “Who should I be here with?”

“Where’s Percival? Isn’t he with you?” Paul scanned the area and didn’t see Percival anywhere. He

commented “That’s not very hospitable of him. How could he leave a quest here alone?

Vivienne leaned lazily against the swing frame as her voice adopted an indifferent tone “What’s your

point?“.

Paul crossed his arms over his chest and gave a slight bow to Vivienne Tve been wanting to apologize

to you, but I haven’t had a chance to see you Now that I have, I want to sincerely apologize it was my

fault that I upset you before, and I hope you won’t hold it against me‘