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 something?“.

not getting the implication at first.

can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken aback, barely holding her composure. “You

worthless man was nowhere near

you don’t like him, watch your words!” Vivienne said calmly, her eyes narrowing slightly.

crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she

quick glance and decided to ignore her, turning to join Dorian in greeting some acquaintances. Just as she turned away, a mature–looking girl walked up to her, gave

Alisa. She had been staying at her grandpa’s during her visit, so she didn’t know Vivienne and thought her outfit was too

outfit – jeans, white tee, sneakers. What was

mouth. She’s your

daughter? Not as impressive as I thought. How could you snatch Arabella’s fiancé? What were

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

into the Ellington family! So what if Percival was a loser? The Ellington family’s reputation was

thought that Dorian would find Vivienne and the Ellington’s engagement would fall

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

Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé. She didn’t steal

Vivienne 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

faces fell. Vivienne, on the

instantly. Alisa, that idiot! Did she really have to remind everyone that she was

that

could only laugh it off and explain, “You misunderstood. I

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

bit through her back

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 she’ll steal next. Everyone’s here