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.

It wasn’t a big to-do, but

the attention of

glory that should have belonged to Arabella,

who does she think she is? She’s embarrassing us! She should look in the mirror before she acts high and

room, while the Hawthorns were still milling about outside, so

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Chapter 76

so Dorian was climbing

do to you? And by the way, you weren’t even invited to this party. If you can’t wait, feel free

leave.”

he got all huffy. “I’m your brother. How dare you talk to

back, fuming. “If you dare badmouth my daughter again,

standing nearby, frowned. “Dorian, that’s out

“Who among the whole lot of you here today genuinely wishes well for my daughter? Have any of you given her any gifts? And now

was truly pissed off

kid. If she said she’d be back before the engagement party,

the party had been underway for ten minutes, and she was still MIA. Something

was freaking out, but these people were still blabbering on about how Vivienne was rude and ill-mannered. Did

off too, but found

Beatrice cut in sharply. “The Ellingtons are all in the private room, and we’re out here squabbling. How

command, Michael

It’s an important day, and Vivienne’s tardiness is unacceptable. The Ellingtons are waiting, and if she’s late,

but Beatrice cut him off. “Go find Vivienne.

talk!”

If it weren’t for the Ellingtons’ bridal gift, she wouldn’t even

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

times, but she’s not picking up. I’m really worried something might have happened to her.” Dorian

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Chapter 76

were able to get in touch with Vivienne last night. It hasn’t been 24 hours yet, so 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. Maybe he can help

Vivienne.”

thought for a moment and then nodded.

about to approach Richard, they saw Thomas wheeling

sent me

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

Percival frowned. “Since when?”

an hour ago, we tried to call her, but she’s not