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

not getting the implication at first.

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

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

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

look of spite crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she

ignore 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 at Arabella, “Who’s she? Your

Alisa. She had been staying at her grandpa’s during her visit, so

glanced at her own outfit – jeans, white tee,

your

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

the Hawthorn family

marry into the Ellington family! So what if Percival was a loser? The Ellington family’s reputation was a golden ticket, and if Arabella

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

back and she was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could she

blanched and she quickly tried to stop Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé.

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

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

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

marry that

Arabella couldn’t let it show. She could only laugh it off and

know you’re just afraid she’d get mad, but I’m not! Arabella, today I’m gonna help you fight for this engagement.”

through her back teeth. “I don’t need…”

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