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 jealous or

aback, not getting the implication at

can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken

a joke! That worthless man was nowhere

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

spite crossed Arabella’s eyes, but she quickly regained

and decided to 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 come to Octavia’s birthday party dressed like

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

outfit – jeans, white tee, sneakers. What was

mouth. She’s your cousin,” Arabella whispered

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

her grandpa, so she wasn’t very familiar with the Hawthorn family affairs. But

to 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 into it, she’d be set for life.

the Ellington’s engagement would fall

stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could she tolerate that? She definitely wouldn’t stand for it.

that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé. She

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.

and Cordelia’s faces fell. Vivienne, on the other hand, looked intrigued, eyeing Alisa.

glances. 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

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

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

“Stop defending Vivienne. I know you’re just afraid she’d get

was so angry she almost bit through her

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