The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 27

Nighttime at Hawthorn Mansion.

The banquet kicked off at eight.

Vivienne and Dorian rocked up at half past seven to Hawthorn’s crib.

The mansion front was jam–packed with luxury cars.

In the hall, Arabella was looking all dolled up in a custom dress, sipping red wine and mingling with the guests. With her chin up and chest out, she wore a confident smile, looking every bit the rightful heiress of the Hawthorn family.

As soon as Vivienne and her crew stepped in, Arabella spotted them. She walked over, wine glass in hand, and greeted them with a warm smile. “Dad, Mom, Vivienne, you made it? Come on in, the guests are almost all here.”

In a very hostess–like tone, she added, “I hope you brought your appetites tonight.”

Dorian frowned, his face looking a tad sour. Was she implying they were poor and couldn’t afford good food on the regular?

Cordelia didn’t look too pleased either, but she kept her mouth shut.

Arabella turned to Vivienne with a smile. “By the way, sis, Mr. Ellington will be joining us tonight.”

Vivienne raised an eyebrow, “So what?”

“Mr. Ellington is really into you. He wasn’t planning on coming, but he changed his mind when he heard you’d be here.” Arabella kept her polite smile, looking like the perfect sweet, well–mannered girl in everyone’s eyes.

replied nonchalantly. “Are you

Arabella was taken aback, not getting the implication at first.

eyes. “If you fancy him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken

joke! That worthless man was

you don’t like him, watch your words!” Vivienne said calmly, her eyes narrowing

crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

quick glance and decided to ignore her, turning to join Dorian in greeting some acquaintances. Just as she turned away, a mature–looking girl walked up to

Michael’s daughter, Alisa. She had been staying at her grandpa’s during her visit, so she didn’t know Vivienne and thought her outfit

– jeans, white tee, sneakers.

your mouth. She’s your cousin,”

daughter? Not as impressive as I thought. How could you snatch Arabella’s fiancé? What were you thinking?”

Hawthorn family affairs. But she admired Arabella, seeing her as a celebrity-

So what if Percival was a loser? The Ellington family’s reputation was a golden ticket, and if Arabella could marry into it, she’d be set for life.

would’ve thought that Dorian would find Vivienne and the Ellington’s engagement would fall

already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could she tolerate that?

stop Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé. She didn’t steal

thought Arabella was just too afraid of Vivienne to speak up, so she said righteously, “Arabella, even though you’re adopted, you’re still a Hawthorn. And you’re even better than the real

left her mouth, Dorian and Cordelia’s faces fell. Vivienne, on the

around them started throwing them odd glances. Arabella’s face turned sour instantly. Alisa, that idiot! Did she really have to remind

to marry that

laugh it off and explain, “You misunderstood.

off, “Stop defending Vivienne. I know you’re just afraid she’d get

so angry she almost bit through her back teeth. “I

She just got back and she’s already stealing your fiancé, who knows