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 first.

him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella

That worthless man was nowhere near

your words!” Vivienne said calmly,

Arabella’s eyes, but

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 her,

at her grandpa’s during her visit, so

white tee,

your mouth. She’s your cousin,”

as impressive as I thought. How could

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

a loser? The Ellington family’s reputation was a golden ticket, and if Arabella could marry into it, she’d be

would’ve thought that Dorian would find Vivienne and the Ellington’s engagement would fall upon her? It pissed her off to no

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

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

adopted, you’re still a Hawthorn. And you’re even better than the real Hawthorn’s daughter. You don’t have to be afraid of her,

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

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

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

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

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

so angry she almost bit through

about to speak, 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