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

aback, not getting

a mischievous glint in her eyes. “If you fancy him, I can totally step aside!” Arabella was taken aback, barely holding her composure. “You can’t

What a joke! That worthless man was nowhere near her

you don’t like him, watch your words!”

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

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

Michael’s daughter, Alisa. She had been staying at her grandpa’s during her visit, so she didn’t know

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

mouth. She’s your cousin,” Arabella whispered

gave Vivienne a disdainful look. “So you’re Dorian’s long–lost daughter? Not as impressive as I thought. How could you snatch Arabella’s

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

what if Percival was a loser? The Ellington family’s reputation was a golden ticket,

engagement would fall upon her? It

was already stealing Arabella’s fiancé. How could she tolerate that? She definitely

tried to stop Alisa. “Alisa, that’s enough! Mr. Ellington was originally my sister’s fiancé. She didn’t steal

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

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

that idiot! Did she really have to remind everyone that

to marry that good–for–nothing

it show. She could only laugh it off and explain, “You misunderstood. I have

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

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

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