The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel 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. Let's eat."

As his gaze shifted to Vivienne, he noticed her calm demeanor as she quietly set aside her dish of spicy ribs. A realization dawned on him then.

As the lady of the Ellington family, Cecilia was well acquainted with high society. She was no fool and had noticed the tension between Vivienne 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, Dorian interjected. "Mrs. Ellington, Vivienne prefers mango mousse cake. Please give the strawberry cake to me."

Cecilia paused, then glanced at Vivienne before handing the strawberry cake to Dorian.

Just as Dorian was about to dig in, Isolde cocked her head and asked, "Uncle Dorian, how could you mix up Vivienne's favorite dish and now her favorite dessert?"

Dorian froze. "What?"

Cecilia promptly scolded Isolde. "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's allergic to mangoes, Uncle Dorian. How could you forget?"

Dorian turned 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. "I'm sorry, Vivienne. I've been feeling tired since you left Rivenwood, so my memory isn't what it used to be. I forgot about your allergy to mangoes."

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

Dorian 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 Dorian had inexplicably missed her reunion banquet. It was confirmed during their first meal when the imposters failed to remember her favorites.

The real Dorian would never mix up her preferences.

He answered the call, and his expression turned serious as he listened to the person on the other end. "Understood."

After hanging up, Percival turned to Vivienne. "Vivienne, I have a business call to take upstairs. Wait for me here."

"Sure."

Vivienne never questioned Percival's work.

She knew his team was doing the same work as 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 dozed off.

Suddenly, a voice called from behind her. "Vivienne?"

Vivienne opened her eyes to see Paul rounding the corner 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 guest 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. "I've 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."