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 jealous or something?“.

Arabella was taken aback, not getting the implication

I can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken aback, barely holding her

a joke! That worthless man was nowhere near her league!

words!” Vivienne said calmly, her eyes narrowing slightly.

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

ignore her, turning to join Dorian in greeting some acquaintances. Just as she turned away, a mature–looking girl walked up to her, gave

at her grandpa’s during her visit, so she didn’t know Vivienne and

own outfit – jeans, white

mouth. She’s your cousin,”

Dorian’s long–lost daughter? Not as impressive as I thought. How could you snatch Arabella’s fiancé?

family

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

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

stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could

this, 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 steal

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. Ellington was

faces fell. Vivienne, on the other hand, looked intrigued,

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

that

off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have no

her off, “Stop defending Vivienne. I know you’re just afraid she’d

she almost bit through her

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