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 jealous or

taken aback, not getting the implication

eyes. “If you fancy him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken aback, barely holding her

liked Percival? What a joke! That worthless man was

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

Arabella’s eyes, but she

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

was Michael’s daughter, Alisa. She had been staying at her grandpa’s during her visit, so she

glanced at her own outfit – jeans, white

mouth. She’s your

gave Vivienne a disdainful look. “So you’re Dorian’s long–lost daughter? Not as impressive

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

if Percival was a loser? The Ellington family’s reputation was a

would find Vivienne and the Ellington’s engagement

fiancé. How could she tolerate that? She definitely wouldn’t stand for it.

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

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

moment these words left her mouth, Dorian and Cordelia’s faces fell. Vivienne, on the

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

marry that good–for–nothing Percival! She was

it show. She could only laugh it off and explain,

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

she almost bit through her back teeth. “I

“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