The Million-Dollar Heart Novel Episode
Chapter 175

Judith held a position of considerable influence in Rivenwood, and she had a reputation for maintaining her dignity. She usually stayed in the upstairs lounge, rarely coming down to entertain guests. So, it was indeed surprising to see her approach a young one for a casual conversation.

Arabella was particularly taken aback.

Vivienne had turned her banquet into a joke, and Arabella had expected Judith, if not to chastise Vivienne, to at least give her a cold shoulder.

But what was Judith's intent with this friendly and proactive demeanor?

"Grandmother, do you know my sister?" Arabella asked, feigning curiosity.

Vivienne paused upon hearing this.

The Brooks family?

Her gaze swept across the members of the Brooks family present, briefly meeting Scott's probing eyes, then passing over the solemn faces of Beatrice and her two sons. She cast an inscrutable glance at Arabella.

Grandmother, huh? Interesting.

"I met Ms. Vivienne when I was in a spot of trouble in Havenwood. She saved my life." Judith began, causing Arabella to gasp in surprise. "It turns out that she's your sister. What a small world, isn't it?" Judith then continued, expressing her gratitude to Vivienne. "Thank you for your help that day, Ms. Vivienne. If it hadn't been for you and Mr. Ellington, I might not be here today. I've been looking for an opportunity to thank you both, but I didn't know who you were. Now, I finally have the chance."

Those around them exchanged surprised glances. Vivienne seemed to be quite fortunate. Not only had she won the favor of the Ellington family, becoming Percival's fiancée, but she was also now owed a favor by Judith.

Wouldn't that mean she could do as she pleased in Rivenwood?

Vivienne's attitude remained indifferent, whether it was about the Ellington family, the Brooks family repaying a favor, or settling a grudge.

She never paid much attention to any of these families.

"Grandmother?" Arabella was seething with jealousy.

Judith had never been as respectful to her as she was to Vivienne.

No wonder Vivienne had the audacity to ruin her banquet. She must have known that Judith wouldn't stop her.

"When did my sister save you? What happened?" Arabella clenched her fists, struggling to control her anger.

Judith didn't elaborate but simply smiled at Vivienne. "Today is my granddaughter's banquet. It wouldn't be appropriate to discuss it further. But I will definitely pay you a visit soon to express my gratitude." She then glanced at Scott, who had been silently following her.

Scott understood her cue and suggested to the crowd, "Since Mr. Mike has decided to put an end to the fashion show, why don't we all go listen to Master Debra's piano performance?"

Everyone present moved to the main banquet hall as Scott's suggestion deftly shifted their focus. No one mentioned the incident that had just occurred. The excitement had already subsided.

In the main banquet hall, a renowned international pianist named Debra, who had been hired by the Brooks family at a high price, took the stage.

The lights in the hall dimmed suddenly, leaving only a single spotlight on the piano. A young man with a ponytail sat at the piano. His fingers began dancing on the keys, producing a beautiful melody. Vivienne and Percival stood together, overhearing the sighs of admiration from nearby guests.

Debra was a prodigy, having gained international fame for his piano skills at the age of 18. But perhaps because he spent most of his time practicing the piano and rarely socialized, he was quite reclusive. After each of his performances, he would simply close the lid of the piano and leave, not bothering to acknowledge the audience.

This time was no different. When he finished his piece, while the crowd was still savoring the beautiful melody, he got up to leave. But something caught his eye, and he paused.

Vivienne's gaze met Debra's across the crowd. He seemed surprised to see her there, and after nodding at her, he turned and left.

His unusual action caused a stir in the banquet hall. Everyone was guessing to whom Debra had nodded.

"Arabella, do you know Debra?" Helen asked in surprise. "He was looking in our direction. Was he acknowledging you?"

Arabella didn't know Debra. If it weren't for the Brooks family's influence, someone like Debra wouldn't have been invited to her banquet. So, she wasn't sure if Debra was acknowledging her.

But since Helen had mentioned it, Arabella said, "Maybe. But I don't know him."

"If you don't know him, then why would he acknowledge you?" Helen's question drew everyone's attention.

"I don't know. Maybe because I'm the guest of honor today?" Arabella gave a nervous laugh.

"No, I don't think so. My grandpa invited him to his birthday party once. He didn't even acknowledge my grandpa. He wouldn't give you special treatment for that reason." Helen shook her head, then suddenly brightened. "I know! You've won many piano competitions. He must recognize you for that!"

The more Helen thought about it, the more convinced she became. "Arabella, you're so good at playing the piano. You must have won his approval. He respects you, hence the acknowledgement." "Nonsense, my piano playing is only average at best." Arabella modestly brushed off Helen's compliments, but her eyes darted to Judith and her group. After seeing the pride on their faces, Arabella felt a sense of satisfaction.

When she was taken in by Beatrice and brought to the Hawthorn Mansion, a piano teacher was immediately hired for her.

She was incredibly gifted, and within just a few years, she was playing like a seasoned pro. In recent years, she even participated in several piano competitions, always coming out with an award.

So, her reputation as the prodigy of Havenwood was not unearned. It was the result of her hard work.

Ashley rolled her eyes in annoyance. Debra was just saying hello to Arabella? Why couldn't she just believe that?

"Arabella, why don't you play a piece for us? Let us appreciate your piano talent." Helen suggested, with the intention of letting Arabella shine.

"Oh, I don't know if that's a good idea." Arabella said, turning to look at Vivienne. "Actually, my piano skills are just average. My sister's the real talent. Maybe she should play a piece." Vivienne arched an eyebrow.

"Sis, it's my banquet, and I haven't heard you play in a long time." Arabella made this up on the spot. "Could you play a piece as my gift?"

Vivienne was just a country bumpkin. She was curious to see what Vivienne could pull off.

She was the proud swan, and Vivienne was just the ugly duckling.

In the past, Vivienne had looked down on her because of her status as the Hawthorn family's golden girl. Now, she was the prized jewel of the Brooks family, and she was going to step on Vivienne's face hard. "Do you think you're worth it?" Vivienne sneered.

"What did you say?!" Helen's rage flared up again. "Arabella just asked you to play the piano. If you think you're not good enough or your piano skills are too poor, just say you're too scared to play. There's no need for such an attitude!"

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