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

taken aback, not getting the implication at

“If you fancy him, I can totally step aside!”

worthless man was nowhere near her

your words!” Vivienne said calmly, her

eyes, but she quickly

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 friend? Why would she come to Octavia’s birthday

during her visit, so she didn’t

white

your cousin,” Arabella whispered

look. “So you’re Dorian’s long–lost daughter? Not as impressive as I thought. How could you snatch Arabella’s fiancé?

her grandpa, so she wasn’t very familiar with the Hawthorn family

suppoed 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

would find Vivienne and the Ellington’s engagement would fall upon

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

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

“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

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

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

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

laugh it off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have no

could finish, Alisa 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

almost bit through her back teeth.

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 must make