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?“.

aback, not getting the implication at

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

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

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

of spite crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she quickly

greeting some acquaintances. Just as she turned away, a mature–looking girl walked up to her, gave Vivienne a once–over and sneered at Arabella, “Who’s she? Your friend?

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

white tee, sneakers. What was wrong with

She’s your cousin,” Arabella

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 were

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

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

engagement would fall upon her? It

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

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

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

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

Arabella’s face turned sour instantly. Alisa, that idiot! Did she really have to remind everyone that she was adopted in front of all these

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

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

she 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 I’m gonna

she almost bit through her back

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 today, we must make her give