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

was taken aback, not getting the implication

smirked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. “If you fancy him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken aback, barely holding her composure. “You can’t just make

a joke! That worthless man was

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

of spite crossed Arabella’s eyes,

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 didn’t know Vivienne and thought her outfit

her own outfit – jeans, white

your

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 you thinking?”

she wasn’t very familiar with the Hawthorn family affairs. But she

was suppoed to marry into the Ellington family! So what if Percival was a loser? The Ellington family’s reputation was a golden ticket, and if Arabella could

Dorian would find Vivienne and the Ellington’s engagement would fall

was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could she tolerate

face blanched and she quickly tried to stop Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé. She

was just too afraid 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.

these words left her mouth, Dorian and Cordelia’s faces fell. Vivienne,

glances. 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 people?

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

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

know you’re just afraid she’d get

was so angry she almost bit through her

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 back your