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.

see,” Vivienne replied nonchalantly. “Are you jealous

taken aback, not getting the

step aside!” Arabella was taken aback, barely holding her composure. “You can’t just

Percival? What a joke! That worthless man was nowhere

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

spite crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she quickly

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 birthday party dressed like this?”

was Michael’s daughter, Alisa. She had been staying at her grandpa’s during her visit, so she didn’t know Vivienne and

her own outfit – jeans, white tee,

mouth. She’s your cousin,” Arabella whispered

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

Hawthorn family affairs. But she admired Arabella, seeing her as a

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,

the Ellington’s engagement would fall

was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How

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

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

Alisa, that idiot! Did she really have to remind everyone that she was adopted in front

want to marry that good–for–nothing Percival!

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

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 help you fight for this engagement.”

bit through her back teeth. “I don’t

scared of a country bumpkin? She just got back and she’s already stealing your fiancé, who knows what she’ll steal next.