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.

nonchalantly. “Are you jealous or

was taken aback, not getting the

him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella was

worthless man was nowhere near her

him, watch your words!”

spite crossed Arabella’s eyes,

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

staying at her grandpa’s during her visit, so she

jeans, white tee, sneakers. What was

watch your mouth. She’s 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

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

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

engagement would fall upon her? It pissed

back and she was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could she tolerate that? She

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

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 to be afraid of her, and you should pursue

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

around 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 so outrageously stupid!

off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have no interest in Mr. Ellington…”

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

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

was about to speak, 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