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.

to the entrance of the residential area, she ran into Arabella and her two

Arabella immediately walked up to her.

nonchalant glance.

now? Didn’t she

thought you guys were staying at a motel? How did you end

I live here.” Vivienne replied, amused. She decided to play along with

quickly recovered. “You mean, you’re living here? Vivienne, do you know

an eyebrow.

know you just moved to the city and everything is new

do you want me to go?”

a motel? You should just go back

Vivienne could respond, one of the girls next to Arabella blurted out,

of the Lockwood family. Though the Lockwoods weren’t as prominent as the Hawthorns in Havenwood, they still held a significant status, and Coral’s two brothers were both

the Lockwood family “She’s my sister” Arabella replied.

clothes. They probably cost less than fifty bucks total. Arabella, you’re like

that. She’s still my sister, and I’m just an

Hawthorns prefer you. You’re so outstanding, why wouldn’t they? And what if she’s the daughter of your family? She’s still

in, “Yeah, you’re famously talented in Havenwood. How

at them with a smirk. Were

adoptive father get kicked out of the Hawthorn family? How did she get into the residential area?”

and defended Vivienne. “Maybe she saw how luxurious the neighborhood was and wanted to

you finish sightseeing, please leave. This is not a place everyone

in her

was here? No way! Vivienne was just a girl who grew up in the Emerald Monastery. She’d

“That’s not cool! I need to check if anything’s missing