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 or something?“.

was taken aback, not getting

can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken

That worthless man was nowhere

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

crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she

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

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

at her own outfit – jeans, white tee, sneakers. What

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

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

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

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

would’ve thought that Dorian would find Vivienne and the Ellington’s engagement would fall upon her? It pissed her off to

already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How

Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was

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.

left her mouth, Dorian and Cordelia’s faces fell. Vivienne, on the other hand, looked

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

marry that good–for–nothing Percival! She was

only laugh it off and explain, “You misunderstood.

Alisa cut her off, “Stop defending Vivienne. I know you’re just afraid she’d get mad, but I’m not! Arabella,

so angry she almost bit through her back teeth. “I don’t need…”

about to speak, Coral chimed in, “Yeah, 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