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.

see,” Vivienne replied nonchalantly. “Are you

aback, not getting the implication at

a mischievous glint in her eyes. “If you fancy him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken aback, barely holding her composure. “You can’t just make

joke! That worthless man was nowhere

words!” Vivienne said calmly, her eyes narrowing

eyes,

away, a mature–looking girl walked up to her, gave Vivienne a

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.

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

watch your mouth. She’s your cousin,” Arabella whispered

daughter? Not as impressive as I thought.

familiar with the Hawthorn family affairs. But she admired Arabella, seeing her as a celebrity- gentle and

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

would’ve thought that Dorian would find Vivienne and the Ellington’s engagement would fall upon her? It

How could she tolerate that? She definitely wouldn’t stand for

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

though you’re adopted, you’re still a Hawthorn. And you’re even better than the real Hawthorn’s

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 remind everyone that

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

it show. She could only laugh it off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have no interest

Vivienne. I know you’re just afraid she’d get mad, but I’m not!

angry she almost bit through her back teeth. “I don’t need…”

She just got back and she’s already stealing