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 jealous or something?“.

Arabella was taken aback, not getting the implication at

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

That worthless man was nowhere near her

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

of spite crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she quickly regained 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

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

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

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

Not as impressive as I thought. How could you snatch Arabella’s fiancé? What were you

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

Percival was a loser? The Ellington family’s reputation was a golden ticket,

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

Arabella’s fiancé. How could she tolerate that? She definitely wouldn’t stand

this, Arabella’s face blanched and she quickly tried to stop Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé. She didn’t

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 real Hawthorn’s daughter. You

mouth, Dorian and Cordelia’s faces fell. Vivienne,

turned sour instantly. Alisa, that idiot! Did she really have to remind

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

off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have no

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

almost bit through her back teeth.

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