The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 18

Inside the old Hawthorn family manor.

Arabella rushed back to the house, barely steady on her feet. She blurted out, “Granny, Dad has rented a house, and it’s in Tranquil Estates!”

“What?”

Beatrice, Michael, and Joseph all shot up from their seats, their faces showing utter disbelief as they stared at Arabella.

Beatrice was the first to recover, barely keeping her surprise under control. “Are you sure? Tranquil Estates doesn’t usually rent to outsiders.”

Arabella looked serious. “I asked the security staff in the residential area. They did rent it, and the rent is ridiculously low. It’s practically a giveaway”

Beatrice stayed silent, her eyebrows furrowed. After a while, she said, “Michael, look into who the landlord of that house is. No matter what it takes, we need to drive them out. The engagement deadline the Ellington family gave us is approaching fast. We can’t afford any mistakes”

Michael responded, “I’m on it.”

Arabella frowned slightly. After a pause, she said, “Grandma, I have an idea, but…..

“What idea? Let’s hear it,” Beatrice asked quickly.

Arabella leaned in to whisper in Beatrice’s ear. A smile spread across Beatrice’s face. “Good, that’s a good idea. Let’s do that.”

“But isn’t this a bit unfair to Vivienne?” Arabella hesitated

“Who cares what she thinks? She’s just a nobody to me. If this marriage falls through, what does Vivienne have to do with the Hawthorn family?” A cold glint flashed in Beatrice’s eyes.

Til follow your lead then.” Arabella lowered her head, a sly smile flickering in her eyes. But no one saw it.

for ten years. Just as she got to the entrance of the residential area, she ran into Arabella and

immediately walked up to her. “Vivienne? What are you doing

a nonchalant glance. “What’s

now? Didn’t she already know they

feigned fear of Vivienne, whispering, “I thought you guys were staying at a

I live here.” Vivienne replied, amused. She decided to play along with Arabella’s game.

was taken aback by Vivienne’s cooperation, but she quickly recovered. “You mean, you’re living here? Vivienne,

raised an eyebrow. “Tranquil

Estates?” Arabella chuckled. “Vivienne, I know you just moved to the city and everything is new to you, but this is not the place

you want me to go?”

you guys staying at a motel? You should just go back there,”

Vivienne could respond, one of the girls next to Arabella blurted out, “Arabella, who is she?”

who spoke was Coral, the daughter of the Lockwood family. Though the Lockwoods weren’t as prominent as the Hawthorns in Havenwood, they

didn’t like Coral, but she couldn’t ignore the Lockwood

the country girl.” Coral laughed, covering her mouth. “Look at her clothes. They probably cost less than fifty bucks total. Arabella, you’re like night and day compared to her”

talk like that. She’s still my sister, and

being adopted?” Coral retorted immediately. “Even if you’re adopted, the Hawthorns prefer you. You’re so outstanding, why wouldn’t they? And what if she’s the daughter of your family? She’s still been driven out, hasn’t she?”

“Yeah, you’re famously talented in Havenwood.

with a

didn’t your adoptive father get kicked out of the Hawthorn family? How did

saw how luxurious the neighborhood

not a place everyone can just enter. If someone loses something, it’ll

hands in her pockets, watching her

a bit jittery under her gaze. It was as if she could see right through her. Could she have figured out why she was here? No way! Vivienne was just a girl who grew up in the Emerald Monastery. She’d supposedly been living there for the past decade. There was no way she could

in here?” Coral snapped. “That’s not cool! I need to check