The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 223

In an alley notorious for its illicit activities.

Arabella was struggling to stand up in a cramped, damp room. Her legs were weak, and she could barely manage to move with the support of the stained and disgusting walls.

The men on the ship had skillfully severed the tendons in her hands and feet, only leaving her able to perform basic tasks like eating, but with much difficulty.

After being sold to the owners of this place, she was confined to this small room, where she entertained clients around the clock.

As a newcomer, even with a scar on her face, she was fresh and alluring to their entire clientele. For the past few days, she barely had a chance to rest except during meal times.

She'd had enough. She could no longer endure living in that damp and disgusting room. The foul-smelling men who treated her like a plaything made her feel like she was living a life worse than that of a pig or a dog.

She secretly tore her sheets, intending to tie them to the iron bars covering the window and hang herself.

Just as she was about to do it, the door was suddenly pushed open. The men guarding her saw her actions and began to spew curses in a language she didn't understand. They dragged her off the bed and began pummeling her brutally and mercilessly.

The strips of cloth she had intended to use for suicide became a tool to bind her to the bed.

The men who had beaten her showed no mercy, even though she was already covered in bruises.

She saw a short man entering her room, and then her eyes suddenly filled with an even greater despair.

...

Saturday.

At Havenwood Opera House.

Mila's concert was a grand affair, especially in Havenwood, where Debra was invited as a guest.

Debra, with his massive fan base and strong influence, made the concert tickets sell out the moment the news was released.

Astrid had managed to get hold of seven tickets only after much effort.

Astrid was dressed up to the nines for the event since she was a big fan of Mila. Alfred joked that she made it seem as if they were going to a matchmaking event rather than a concert.

Dorian and the others had also dressed formally for the occasion.

Only Vivienne was still in a white T-shirt and jeans. She stood out like a sore thumb among the formally dressed audience.

She wasn't interested in Mila's piano concert; she was just there to keep Astrid company and make her happy.

She was bored and waiting for Percival to arrive when she noticed a middle-aged man trying to bypass the metal detectors.

She frowned and walked over to him.

...

Backstage at the opera house.

Today, Mila also invited the Brooks family.

Out of courtesy, Judith and Scott had brought the whole family along.

They arrived earlier than Vivienne's family, and Calista had personally led them to the backstage.

Calista was also dressed up. She wore a white split dress, her hair was tied up high, and her usual spectacles were replaced with contacts. She looked less like her usual dignified self and more like an alluring vixen.

Mila, in a royal blue designer dress, had just finished her makeup. Upon seeing the Brooks family walk in, she immediately greeted Judith with a beaming smile.

Judith returned the smile with a nod.