The Million-Dollar Heart

Working at a high-end fashion boutique in the heart of Beverly Hills, memorizing the A-list clientele and their preferences was
part of Emily's daily grind. The Rivenwood circuit, a tight-knit community of the city's elite, was her playground, and she prided
herself on recognizing virtually every face that graced the store.
Yet, Percival and Vivienne were somewhat of an enigma. Rarely seen on the shopping circuit and despite Vivienne's brief stint in
the tabloids, her story was quickly buried under more sensational news. Being the direct descendant of Arthur and the
granddaughter of Jasper was common knowledge within these circles, but that was where the familiarity ended, especially for
someone outside these social loops like Emily.
So when Vivienne dropped names like the Brooks family, the Ellington family, the Perez family, and the Linklater family, Emily
couldn't hide her surprise.
The Brooks family, recently risen stars with a simple family structure of just four, had seen better days before Scott's scandal.
Yet, thanks to Ronald and Timothy Brooks, they managed to maintain their standing, resulting in two factions within the same
family name in Rivenwood.
For Emily, working for any of the Brooks families would be a step up, not to mention the prestigious Ellington, Perez, and
Linklater families.
Initially mistaking Vivienne for an ordinary shopper based on her attire, Emily was taken aback by the revelation of her significant
connections.
"You should thank yourself," Vivienne remarked coolly, brushing off Emily's gratitude as if it were nothing.
Had Emily judged her too quickly, she could only imagine the backlash, not just from Vivienne but from Percival too.
"Regardless, thank you so much!" Emily managed, relief and gratitude mingling in her voice.
Vivienne waved off the thanks, pulling Percival towards the exit, when Brianna, known for her dramatic flair in Beverly Hills,
confronted them. "What's your name? I dare you to say it!"
Vivienne, standing tall and unbothered, simply replied, "Vivienne. I'll be waiting for your revenge," her voice icy, almost
challenging.
Brianna, seething with anger, vowed not to let this go, but Vivienne, already turning away, seemed unconcerned.

Stepping out of the boutique, the air around Vivienne and Percival changed, becoming charged with a silent fury.
Catching sight of Brianna making a scene inside, Vivienne couldn't help but smirk, "The Wright family, how intriguing!"
Percival, ever the protector, reassured her, "Don't let that clown disturb our date."
Their banter continued, with Vivienne teasing Percival about his numerous admirers, and him jesting about undergoing a
makeover for her sake. It was all in good fun, but underlying their jests was a deep, unspoken bond.
Meanwhile, the Wright family mansion, a sprawling estate with its grand fountain and endless rose gardens, stood as a
testament to their legacy. Brianna stormed in, her face marked by the encounter seeking solace and vengeance from her brother,
ensconced in his study.
Her brother, a figure of calm in the chaos, listened as she recounted her humiliation, promising retribution in a tone that was
chillingly serene.
As they plotted their next move, the name Vivienne hung in the air-a new player in the age-old game of high society warfare.
Brianna looked up, her eyes sharp as knives. "Bro, you know her?"
The man shook his head, gently running his fingers through her hair. "Why don't you check on Alyssa? I thought you two got
along quite well."
Disgust flickered in Brianna's eyes as she rolled them. "Are you out of your mind, bro? Can't you see I can't I stand her? Always
acting like Miss Goody Two-Shoes, trying to outshine me. If we weren't living under the same roof, I'd be done playing nice."
It was because of Alyssa that she was sent abroad for a few years.
And it was that time away that taught her to play smart.
Since she was brought back home five years ago, she had been pretending to cozy up to Alyssa.
The man's voice was gentle as he smiled. "She went to the Linklater family's reunion and took Danielle out without telling Dad."
Brianna's mouth dropped open in disbelief. "Has she lost her mind? Sneaking Danielle out without Dad's knowledge? Does she
have any idea how important Danielle is to Dad and Grandpa?"

A flicker of interest appeared in the man's eyes. "She lost Danielle, embarrassed herself at the Linklater family's gathering, and
got kicked out, leaving Danielle behind."
Brianna snorted coldly, feeling suddenly cheerful. "She's gotten too comfortable at home, daring to leave Danielle behind. Where
is she now? I'll go visit my sister." The man tugged at Brianna's hair, eliciting a sharp hiss from her. "Ouch, bro, what are you
doing? That hurts!"
"You know what pain feels like, huh? How about showing some concern for the Linklaters? Their long-lost daughter at the
reunion was none other than Vivienne."