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 the implication at first.

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

Percival? What a joke! That worthless man was nowhere near her league!

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

Arabella’s eyes, but she quickly

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

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

outfit – jeans, white tee, sneakers. What was wrong with

your mouth. She’s your cousin,”

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

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

to marry into the Ellington family! 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

Ellington’s engagement

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

blanched and she quickly tried to stop Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington

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

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

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

want to marry that good–for–nothing

couldn’t let it show. She could only laugh it off

just afraid she’d get mad, but I’m not! Arabella, today I’m gonna help you

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

be scared of a country bumpkin? She just got back and she’s already stealing your fiancé, who knows what she’ll steal next.