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 you jealous or

aback, not getting the implication at

step aside!” Arabella

liked Percival? What a joke! That worthless man was nowhere near her

watch your words!” Vivienne said

of spite crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she quickly regained her

turned away, 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

Michael’s daughter, Alisa. She had been staying at her grandpa’s during her visit, so she

glanced at her own outfit – jeans, white tee, sneakers.

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

disdainful look. “So you’re Dorian’s long–lost daughter? Not as impressive

familiar with the Hawthorn family

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 set for life.

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

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 didn’t steal him.”

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 your own happiness. Mr. Ellington was originally your

Cordelia’s faces fell. Vivienne, on the other hand, looked intrigued, eyeing Alisa.

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

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

it off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have no

just afraid she’d get mad, but I’m not! Arabella,

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

country bumpkin? She just got back and she’s already stealing your fiancé, who knows