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

not getting the implication at

“If you fancy him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella was

worthless man was

him, watch your words!” Vivienne said calmly,

Arabella’s eyes, but she quickly

a mature–looking girl walked up to her, gave Vivienne a once–over and sneered at Arabella, “Who’s she? Your friend? Why would she come to Octavia’s birthday party dressed

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

at her own outfit – jeans, white tee,

your mouth. She’s your cousin,” Arabella

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

so she wasn’t very familiar with the Hawthorn family affairs. But she admired Arabella, seeing her as a celebrity- gentle and generous.

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

engagement would fall upon her? It pissed

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

to stop Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé. She

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

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

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

who would want to marry that good–for–nothing Percival!

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

Alisa cut her off, “Stop defending Vivienne. I know you’re just afraid she’d get mad, but I’m not! Arabella, today

angry she almost bit through her

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