The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 464

Belle was indeed a gem unearthed by the hardworking HR Director of The Ellington Group. Within just a week, she had delivered the designs to Percival's office.

Thomas had finished his boot camp training and returned to Percival's side. "Boss, the design department's Belle is waiting outside."

Percival glanced at the designs in his hand and handed them to Vivienne while saying, "Vivienne, take a look at these."

Vivienne flipped through the pages and nodded. "Let her in."

Belle walked in nervously, stealing glances at Percival and quickly looking away, "Mr. Percival, Vivienne."

Vivienne did not look up, simply muttering, "Good design work."

"Thank you, but it's still not up to par with your work. I feel something's off. It doesn't match the initial concept. Could you perhaps offer some guidance?"

As Belle spoke, her gaze involuntarily drifted towards Percival.

Vivienne made a few quick annotations on Belle's design and handed it back.

Belle accepted it with both hands, nodding at Vivienne and then turning to Percival. "Mr. Percival, I plan to host a launch party next week. We'll invite Rivenwood's A-list celebrities and society ladies to create a buzz for our new line. What do you think?"

Percival barely looked up as he replied, "Mhm."

Belle pursed her lips and left Percival's office in silence.

Once the door closed, the timid look on Belle's face disappeared.

Back in the office, Vivienne's lips curved into a smile, sensing something amusing afoot.

Percival waved Thomas away, who left discreetly.

Standing up, Percival sat next to Vivienne. "You seem pleased?"

"Of course, the show's about to start."

...

Days later, at the launch party.

The venue was packed with journalists and influencers, all there to hype The Ellington Group's new product line.

Many attended voluntarily, for being part of The Ellington Group's launch was a prestigious affair that could bring valuable connections to their own ventures.

Percival and Vivienne waited backstage.

Soon, Belle knocked, "Mr. Percival, everything's set. We can start anytime."

Percival nodded, straightening his suit. "Vivienne, wait here for me."

Vivienne acknowledged, her gaze fleetingly brushing over Belle before withdrawing.

Belle's heart skipped a beat. Had Vivienne noticed something?

Impossible, her disguise was perfect!

Biting her lip, Belle followed Percival out.

As they left, Vivienne received a call from Dorian. "Trouble, Vivienne. Thaddeus has come down with a stomach bug at the nursery and has been rushed to the hospital. Come quickly."

"I'm on my way." Vivienne smiled.

Well-prepared, indeed.

Vivienne slipped out the back as Percival finished his speech onstage.

A waitress handed him a glass of red wine, and amid the media, he could not refuse. Taking a sip, he felt his vision blur and his breathing tighten. Something was happening to his body, but the subtle sensations were his alone to perceive.

After giving Thomas some instructions, Percival silently retired to the backstage lounge.

Belle watched from a distance and followed once Percival had left, unaware that a rotund waiter also trailed behind.