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.

big to-do, but

alone had drawn the

glory that should have belonged to Arabella,

us! She should look in the mirror before she acts high and

while the Hawthorns were still milling about outside, so Percival didn’t

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Chapter 76

so Dorian was climbing the walls. Joseph’s grumbling

Ever since Vivienne came back, you’ve been on her case. What did she ever do to you? And by the way, you weren’t even invited to this party. If you

leave.”

all huffy. “I’m your brother. How dare you talk to me like that? Don’t you

dad!” Dorian shot back, fuming. “If you dare badmouth

“Dorian, that’s out of

for my daughter? Have any of you given her any

truly pissed

Vivienne well. She was a level-headed kid. If she said she’d be back before the engagement

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

people were still blabbering on about how Vivienne was rude and ill-mannered. Did they think

off too, but

in sharply. “The Ellingtons are all in the private

Beatrice’s command, Michael

turned to Dorian. “Don’t blame your brothers for speaking harshly. It’s an important day, and Vivienne’s tardiness is unacceptable. The Ellingtons are waiting, and if she’s

say something, but Beatrice cut him off.

talk!”

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

whispered, “Don’t argue with them.

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

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Chapter 76

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,

Vivienne.”

for a moment and then nodded.

about to approach Richard, they saw Thomas wheeling

sent me to ask when’s the

Dorian with a heavy tone. “I’m worried something’s happened to her. We were going to ask your grandpa

Percival frowned. “Since when?”

to reach her last night. About an hour ago, we tried to call her, but she’s not answering.”