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.

“Are you jealous or something?“.

was taken aback, not getting

step aside!” Arabella was taken aback, barely holding her composure. “You

What a joke! That worthless man was nowhere near

you don’t like him, watch your words!”

look of spite crossed Arabella’s eyes,

turning to join Dorian in greeting some acquaintances. Just as she turned away, a mature–looking girl walked up

girl was 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 was too plain.

– jeans, white

your mouth. She’s your

as impressive as I thought. How

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

family! So what if Percival was a loser? The Ellington family’s reputation was a golden ticket, and

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

already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could she

blanched and she quickly tried to stop Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé.

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

left her mouth, Dorian and Cordelia’s faces fell. Vivienne, on the other hand, looked intrigued,

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

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

it off and explain,

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

so angry she almost bit through

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