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

aback, not getting the implication at

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

What a joke! That worthless man was nowhere near

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

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

mature–looking girl walked up to her, gave Vivienne a once–over and

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

outfit – jeans, white tee, sneakers. What was wrong with that?

your mouth. She’s your cousin,” Arabella whispered to

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

very familiar with the Hawthorn family affairs. But she admired Arabella,

The Ellington family’s reputation was

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

was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could she tolerate that? She definitely wouldn’t stand

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

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

faces fell. Vivienne, on

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 was adopted

want to marry that good–for–nothing

off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have

just afraid she’d get mad, but I’m

she almost bit through her back teeth. “I don’t

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