The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 126

Friday.

Cloudcrest High School auditorium.

Today was the scheduled day for Vivienne and Elijah's fragrance blending competition. News about Vivienne, Percival's fiancée, challenging the renowned Perfume Prince, Elijah, had spread across the internet since his talk at Cloudcrest High.

Guests had flocked to the school, many drawn by the prospect of witnessing this unique competition.

"Ms. Hawthorn."

Vivienne had just arrived at the auditorium when she was met with a face full of malicious glee.

"And you are?" Vivienne asked, her brow knitting slightly. She couldn't quite place the heavily made-up woman in front of her.

Stella forced a smile. "We met at Percival's place."

"Oh." Vivienne remembered now, but dismissed the woman as insignificant. She was just about to step into the auditorium when Stella stopped her.

Stella's face contorted for a moment, but she quickly regained her smugness. "Ms. Hawthorn, have you seen Cecilia? She invited me to accompany her today."

She covered her mouth with her hand, feigning concern. "You really mustn't lose too badly today. Cecilia doesn't like you much as it is, and if you embarrass the Ellington family..."

"Vivienne!"

Stella was cut off as Cecilia spotted Vivienne from afar and hurried over.

She would have run if not for the need to maintain her ladylike demeanor. So she quickened her pace instead.

Much to Stella's shock, Cecilia briskly approached, took Vivienne's hand, and warmly greeted her. "You finally arrived. Where's Percival?"

"Mom." Percival had been delayed by a few elder acquaintances.

"Ah." Cecilia nodded at Percival in greeting and then turned her attention back to Vivienne. "May I come closer to the stage to watch your competition later?"

Percival watched Cecilia with a touch of helplessness in his eyes. He knew that she loved antique perfumes, but he hadn't realized that she was a perfume fanatic.

Recently, she had been pestering Vivienne every day, asking her to display her mother Evelyn's collection at a small antique perfume exhibition in Rivenwood whenever Vivienne had spare time.

The trio continued towards the auditorium, completely ignoring Stella.

Stella felt her cheeks burn with humiliation as she remembered her earlier boast that Cecilia disliked Vivienne.

"Mrs. Ellington!" She called out, unwilling to give up.

Cecilia turned to look at her with a frown on her face. "Stella? What are you doing here?"

Stella's face turned pale, then red out of embarrassment. She turned and fled.

"What's her problem?" Cecilia asked but didn't dwell on it.

Percival didn't even glance at Stella from the corner of his eye.

They accompanied Vivienne into the auditorium, greeting many familiar faces.

Among the spectators were some genuine perfume enthusiasts, some Elijah's fans, and a few drawn by the allure of the Ellington family name. None were there for Vivienne.

Elijah was a well-established figure in the industry, whereas Vivienne was an unknown entity. Many believed that if it weren't for her engagement to Percival, Elijah wouldn't have even given her the chance to challenge him.

The only people supporting Vivienne were Percival, Cecilia, and the students from Class Eighteen.