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.

“Are you jealous or

aback, not getting the implication at

you fancy him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken aback, barely holding her composure.

What a joke! That worthless man was

watch your words!” Vivienne said

eyes, but she quickly regained

in greeting some acquaintances. Just as she turned away, a mature–looking girl walked up to her, gave Vivienne a once–over and sneered

during her

– jeans, white tee, sneakers. What was wrong with

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

Not as impressive as I thought. How could

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

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

find Vivienne and the Ellington’s engagement would fall upon her? It pissed her off to no end.

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 my sister’s

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

Dorian and Cordelia’s faces fell. Vivienne, on

throwing them odd glances. Arabella’s face turned sour instantly. Alisa, that idiot! Did she really have to remind everyone that she was adopted in front

want to marry that good–for–nothing Percival!

Arabella couldn’t let it show. She could only laugh it off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have no interest in Mr. Ellington…”

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

was so angry she almost bit through

just got back and she’s