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.

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

had drawn the attention of

glory that should have belonged to Arabella, and that didn’t

She’s embarrassing us! She should look in

already shuffled into the private room, while the Hawthorns were still milling about outside, so

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Chapter 76

so Dorian was climbing the walls. Joseph’s grumbling was the

she ever do to you? And by the way, you weren’t even invited

leave.”

at him like that, and he got all huffy. “I’m your brother. How dare you talk to me like that? Don’t you

but you’re not my dad!” Dorian shot back, fuming. “If you dare badmouth my daughter again, I’ll kick you out! I don’t need a brother

nearby, frowned. “Dorian, that’s

her any gifts? And now you’re blaming her for not following the

truly pissed off

a level-headed kid. If she said she’d be back before

party had been underway for ten minutes, and she was

how Vivienne was rude and ill-mannered. Did they think he was

was ticked off too, but found himself at a loss

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

Michael and Joseph clammed

brothers for speaking harshly. It’s an important day, and Vivienne’s

say something, but Beatrice cut him off.

talk!”

it weren’t for the Ellingtons’ bridal gift, she

“Don’t argue with them. Let’s

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

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Chapter 76

if we report to the police, they can’t do

Vivienne.”

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

were about to approach Richard, they

sent me to ask

Dorian with a heavy tone. “I’m worried something’s happened to her.

Percival frowned. “Since when?”

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