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.

nonchalantly. “Are you

taken aback, not getting the implication at

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

joke! That worthless man

your words!” Vivienne said calmly, her

look of spite crossed Arabella’s eyes, but

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, “Who’s she? Your friend? Why would she come to Octavia’s birthday party dressed like

girl was Michael’s daughter, Alisa. She had been staying at her grandpa’s during her

her own outfit – jeans, white tee, sneakers. What was wrong with that?

your cousin,” Arabella whispered to

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

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

Ellington family’s reputation was a golden ticket, and

Dorian would find Vivienne and the Ellington’s engagement would fall upon her?

got back and she was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could she

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

even better than the

left her mouth, Dorian and Cordelia’s faces

sour instantly. Alisa, that idiot! Did she really have to remind everyone that she was adopted in front

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

off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have no interest in Mr. Ellington…”

cut her off, “Stop defending Vivienne. I know you’re just afraid she’d get mad, but I’m not! Arabella, today I’m gonna help you

so angry she almost bit through

country bumpkin? She just got back and she’s already stealing your fiancé, who knows what she’ll steal next. Everyone’s here