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.

“Are you jealous or

not getting the implication at

a mischievous glint in her eyes. “If you fancy him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken aback, barely holding her composure.

worthless man was

like him, watch your words!” Vivienne

fleeting look of spite crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she

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

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

own outfit – jeans, white tee, sneakers. What was

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

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

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

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

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

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

that’s enough!

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

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

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

who would want to marry that good–for–nothing Percival! She was so outrageously

She could only laugh it off and explain,

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

almost bit through her back teeth. “I don’t

as she was 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 knows what she’ll steal next. Everyone’s here today, we must make her give back your fiancé.”