Chapter 475 – A Turning Point in The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) by Rebecca Ryan
In this chapter of The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne), Rebecca Ryan introduces major changes to the story. Chapter 475 shifts the narrative tone, revealing secrets, advancing character arcs, and increasing stakes within the Billionaires genre.
Darren's sudden rise to stardom was like a stroke of luck for the whole Brooks family, casting a serendipitous glow on each of them.
Quick to capitalize on the momentum, Rainbow Entertainment snatched up Darren's management contract, securing their chance to build the brotherly brand alongside Stephen, the other half of the dynamic duo.
The PR team, sharp as ever, revealed Darren's relationship with Kala, quashing the persistent online rumors that the Brooks family was cursed with bad luck.
As a result, the Brooks family's business ventures flourished.
Still, Melissa could not shake a weight on her heart.
Since Scott was taken away, the Brooks family had never reached out to Vivienne. Though Melissa's heart ached for the girl, she could not find the proper excuse to see her.
To Melissa, Vivienne was family. Despite the lack of blood ties, Vivienne was the daughter of her dearest friend. The thought of severing that connection was unbearable.
Melissa had heard from Kala about Vivienne’s secret support for the Brooks family. She knew Vivienne was not cold-hearted; she would repay kindness tenfold.
The reason Melissa hesitated to contact Vivienne, unlike Kala and others, was guilt.
The Brooks family had never treated Karen well, and now her daughter suffered the same fate. How could Melissa not feel remorse?
Now that Vivienne had helped Darren become an overnight sensation, Melissa could no longer hold back. She decided it was time to reach out.
Gathering her children, including Kala, who was on set, she initiated a video call and laid out her plan.
"I want to invite Vivienne for dinner, and you all need to be there. Treat her like your own sister. Got it?"
Melissa was not just planning a dinner; she wanted her children and the adults to strengthen ties with Vivienne and avoid leaving her in the cold. If Vivienne ever faced trouble at the hands of Percival, the Brooks family would have her back.
Kala and her siblings had no objections, and Darren certainly could not miss it. After all, he still had the parrot.
Only Ashley seemed perplexed. "Mom, Vivienne has brought nothing but trouble to our family, and you still want to think about her? She's like a jinx; nothing good happens when she's around!"
"Ashley!" Melissa snapped, her brow furrowing in anger. "Think about it. Who really brought our family to this point – Vivienne or the older generation's misdeeds?"
Ashley, mouth agape, could not find the words to argue. Deep down, she knew that both Judith and Scott had only been exposed by Vivienne because they had committed crimes. The family's downfall was not Vivienne's fault.
But why did Vivienne have to be so harsh about it? Could she not have handled things more gently instead of turning the Brooks family into a public spectacle?
Due to the scandal, Kala had been bullied in the industry, Darren had missed out on opportunities to shine, and Ashley herself could not even hold her head up at school. Furthermore, Charlotte Redwood had taken over her spot as the student representative at the last school anniversary – all because of Vivienne.
Ashley could not forgive Vivienne, no matter what.
Seeing no further objections, Melissa made her decision. "Carl, your father is away on business, but you need to be there. You'll be representing both your parents, do you understand?"
Carl nodded, glancing at his watch. "Aunt Melissa, if we're done here, I need to head out. There's urgent business at the office."
"Go on, then."
"We've got time," Vivienne replied without hesitation.
The truth was, Darren could not keep a secret to save his life; he had spilled the beans right after their family video conference.
"Great, let's meet the day after tomorrow. I'll text you the restaurant's address. I haven't seen you in ages, Vivienne, and I really miss you," Melissa said, her voice trembling with emotion.
"Sure, we'll be there on the dot."
After hanging up, Vivienne let out a slow breath, a subtle smile on her lips. Her heart felt warm.
But she could not help but wonder, aside from Aunt Melissa, how many others were actually looking forward to her return.
Melissa and her family arrived early at the restaurant, settling into the private dining room. Ashley was there too, though less than thrilled, head bowed as she fiddled with her smartphone.
Soon after, Vivienne and Percival walked in, their arms laden with thoughtfully selected gifts for everyone.
"Vivienne, you shouldn't have," Melissa protested as she enveloped Vivienne’s hand with a warm, welcoming grasp.
Vivienne did not pull away, saying, "Mr. Wolf insisted."
Percival chuckled. "It's the least I could do."
The stage was set for a joyful reunion, but Ashley, detached and brooding in her corner, could not resist sniping, "Hypocrites."
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