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.

replied nonchalantly. “Are you

taken aback, not getting the implication at first.

mischievous glint in her eyes. “If you fancy him, I can totally step

liked Percival? What a joke! That worthless man

watch your words!” Vivienne said calmly,

crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

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 Vivienne a once–over and sneered at Arabella, “Who’s she? Your friend? Why would she come

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

jeans, white tee,

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

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

grandpa, so she wasn’t very familiar with the Hawthorn family affairs.

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

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

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

Arabella’s face blanched and she quickly tried to stop Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé. She didn’t

of 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 of her, and you should pursue your own happiness. Mr.

mouth, Dorian and Cordelia’s faces

Alisa, that idiot! Did she

that good–for–nothing Percival! She was so outrageously stupid!

She could only laugh it off

defending Vivienne. I know you’re just afraid she’d get mad, but I’m not! Arabella, today I’m gonna

almost bit through

so much better, why should you be scared of a country bumpkin? She just