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.

Vivienne replied nonchalantly. “Are

was taken aback, not getting the implication at

in her eyes. “If you fancy him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken aback, barely holding her composure. “You can’t just make things up.”

a joke! That worthless man was nowhere

your words!”

crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she quickly regained her

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 Vivienne a

daughter, Alisa. She had been staying at her grandpa’s during her visit, so she didn’t know Vivienne

own outfit – jeans, white tee, sneakers. What

mouth. She’s your cousin,” Arabella whispered

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

with the Hawthorn family affairs. But she admired Arabella, seeing

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

would find Vivienne and the Ellington’s engagement would fall upon her? It pissed

got back and she was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could she tolerate

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

And you’re even better than the real Hawthorn’s daughter. You don’t have to be afraid of her, and you should pursue your own happiness. Mr. Ellington was originally your fiancé.”

these words left her mouth, Dorian and Cordelia’s faces fell. Vivienne, on the other

Alisa, that idiot! Did she really have to

also, who would want to marry that good–for–nothing Percival! She was so outrageously stupid!

She could only laugh it off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have no interest in

she could finish, Alisa cut her off, “Stop defending Vivienne. I know you’re just afraid she’d get mad, but I’m

angry she almost bit through her back teeth.

Coral chimed in, “Yeah, Arabella, you’re so much better, why should you be scared of a country bumpkin? She just got back and