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.

Vivienne replied nonchalantly. “Are you

not getting

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

That worthless man was nowhere near

your words!” Vivienne said

crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she

gave her a 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 her, gave Vivienne a once–over and sneered at Arabella,

had been staying at her grandpa’s during her visit, so she didn’t

her own outfit – jeans, white tee, sneakers. What

mouth. She’s your

Dorian’s long–lost daughter? Not as impressive as I thought. How could you

lived with her grandpa, so she wasn’t very familiar with the Hawthorn family affairs. But she admired Arabella, seeing her as

a loser? The Ellington family’s reputation was a golden ticket, and if Arabella

Ellington’s engagement would fall upon her? It pissed her off

got back and she was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could she tolerate that? She definitely wouldn’t stand for it.

Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé. She

still a Hawthorn. And you’re even

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

Alisa, that idiot! Did she really have to remind everyone that she was adopted in front of all these

want to marry that good–for–nothing Percival! She was so outrageously

it off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have no interest in Mr.

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

bit through her back

was about to speak, Coral chimed in, “Yeah, Arabella, you’re so much better, why should you be scared of a country bumpkin? She just got back and she’s already stealing your fiancé, who knows what she’ll steal next. Everyone’s here today, we must make her give back your