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

not getting the implication at first.

you fancy him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella

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

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

fleeting look of spite crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she quickly

a mature–looking girl walked up to her, gave

staying at her grandpa’s during her visit, so she didn’t

outfit – jeans, white

mouth. She’s your cousin,” Arabella

daughter? Not as impressive as I thought. How

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

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

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

she was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could

this, Arabella’s face blanched and she quickly tried to stop Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé. She didn’t

to speak up, so she said righteously, “Arabella, even though you’re adopted, you’re still a Hawthorn. And you’re even better than

mouth, Dorian and Cordelia’s faces fell. Vivienne,

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

also, who would want to marry that good–for–nothing Percival! She was so outrageously stupid!

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

cut her off, “Stop defending Vivienne. I know you’re just afraid she’d get mad, but I’m not! Arabella, today I’m gonna help you fight for this

bit through her back

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 today, we