The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 76

Dorian and Cordelia looked pretty peeved.

Their outfits were freshly bought and cost them a grand. Splurging a thousand bucks on clothes was a bit much for them, but for their daughter Vivienne, they bit the bullet and paid

They didn’t expect even that to earn them the stink eye.

Today was the engagement party, and the whole Hawthorn clan was there. They were all dolled up to the nines.

If you didn’t know better, you’d think the Hawthorns were hosting the show.

Dorian was a bit miffed, but hey, it was Vivienne’s party, so he kept his trap shut.

There were four tables set for the party.

Three were hogged by the Hawthorns.

The Ellingtons took up one table. Aside from Richard, the rest of the Ellington crew was there

too.

Their group wasn’t big. They were just enough to fill one table.

The party was supposed to kick off at noon, but as the clock ticked closer, Vivienne was still

a no-show.

Cordelia and Dorian had been blowing up Vivienne’s phone, but she never answered.

“What’s Vivienne’s deal? She’s late for her own engagement party and is keeping all these elders waiting. What gives?” Joseph Hawthorn was still sore from Vivienne’s previous scheme, and he hadn’t been able to smooth things over with Octavia yet, so seeing Vivienne playing hooky didn’t do him any favors.

“Joseph, Vivienne’s just a country bumpkin. She wouldn’t know manners if they hit her in the face. She’s probably trying to embarrass us on purpose now that she’s engaged to Mr. Ellington.” Alisa Hawthorn grumbled, sounding as sour as a lemon.

was hosted by Dorian’s family. It wasn’t a big to-do, but the Ellingtons all showed

had drawn the attention of all

that should have belonged to Arabella, and that didn’t sit right with

us! She should look in the mirror before she acts

Hawthorns were still milling about outside, so Percival

12.07

Chapter 76

Dorian was climbing the walls. Joseph’s grumbling

ever do to you? And by the

leave.”

Dorian to snap back at him like that, and he got all huffy. “I’m your brother.

fuming. “If you dare badmouth my daughter again,

“Dorian, that’s

you given her any gifts? And now you’re blaming her for not following the rules? Shouldn’t you, as her relatives, be more concerned about her safety? You

was truly pissed

If she said she’d

minutes,

on about how Vivienne

Michael was ticked off too, but found himself at a

sharply. “The Ellingtons are all in the private room, and we’re

command, Michael and Joseph

them a glare and then turned to Dorian. “Don’t blame your brothers for speaking harshly. It’s an important day, and Vivienne’s tardiness

but Beatrice cut him off.

talk!”

she wanted to be here? If it weren’t for the Ellingtons’ bridal gift, she

at Dorian and whispered, “Don’t argue with them. Let’s try

I’m really worried something might have happened to her.” Dorian

12.07

Chapter 76

even if we report to the police, they can’t do anything.” Cordella thought for a moment before suggesting, “Let’s ask Richard for help. He has a wide network.

Vivienne.”

and then nodded. “Alright, let’s ask Richard for

they were about to approach

“My grandpa sent me to ask when’s the shindig

reach Vivienne,” said Dorian with a heavy tone. “I’m worried something’s happened to her. We were going to ask your grandpa if he could help locate

Percival frowned. “Since when?”

last night. About an hour ago, we tried