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.

replied nonchalantly. “Are you jealous or something?“.

aback, not getting the implication at

in her eyes. “If you fancy him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken aback,

worthless man was nowhere

your words!” Vivienne said calmly, her eyes

eyes, but

ignore her, 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 she? Your friend? Why would she

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

– jeans, white tee, sneakers. What was wrong with that?

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

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

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

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 marry

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

got back and she was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could she tolerate that? She

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

you’re even better than the real Hawthorn’s daughter. You

faces fell. Vivienne, on the other hand,

glances. Arabella’s face turned sour instantly. Alisa, that idiot! Did she really

that good–for–nothing Percival!

She could only laugh it off and

“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

was so angry she almost bit through her back teeth.

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