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

Arabella was taken aback, not getting

step aside!” Arabella was taken aback,

liked Percival? What a joke! That worthless man

him, watch your words!” Vivienne said

fleeting look of spite crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

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

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

her own outfit – jeans, white tee, sneakers. What was wrong with

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

daughter? Not as impressive as I thought. How could you snatch Arabella’s fiancé? What were you

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

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

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

she was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could

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

you’re adopted, you’re still a Hawthorn. And you’re even better than the real Hawthorn’s daughter.

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

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?

also, who would want to marry that good–for–nothing Percival! She was

Arabella couldn’t let it show. She could only laugh it off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have no

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

was so angry she almost bit through her back teeth. “I don’t

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