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.

replied nonchalantly. “Are you jealous or

was taken aback, not getting the implication at

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

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

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

Arabella’s eyes,

as she turned away, a mature–looking girl walked up to her, gave Vivienne a once–over and sneered at Arabella, “Who’s she? Your friend? Why would she come to Octavia’s birthday party

grandpa’s during her visit, so she didn’t know Vivienne and thought her outfit was too plain.

white tee, sneakers. What was wrong with that?

your cousin,”

long–lost daughter? Not as impressive as I thought. How

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

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

Vivienne and the Ellington’s engagement

was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could

tried to stop Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé. She didn’t steal

thought Arabella was 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 don’t have to be afraid of her, and you should pursue your own happiness. Mr. Ellington was originally your

Cordelia’s faces

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

would want to marry that good–for–nothing Percival! She

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

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

through her

just got back and she’s already stealing your fiancé, who knows what she’ll steal next. Everyone’s