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.

Vivienne replied nonchalantly. “Are you

taken aback, not getting the implication at first.

glint in her eyes. “If you fancy him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella was

Percival? What a joke! That worthless

words!” Vivienne said calmly, her eyes narrowing slightly.

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

She had been staying at her grandpa’s during her

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

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

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

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

marry into the Ellington family! So what if Percival was a loser? The Ellington family’s reputation

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

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

tried to stop Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough!

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.

faces fell. Vivienne, on the other hand, looked intrigued, eyeing

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

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

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

you’re just afraid she’d get mad, but I’m not! Arabella,

she almost bit through

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