The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 85

Arabella was off work and at home again today. She didn’t have to be here, but she wanted to see the look on their face when Dorian and his families left in disgrace. So, she stuck around with Beatrice.

She kept her mouth shut during Dorian and Beatrice’s conversation. As a junior, she knew it wasn’t her place to butt in.

But she never expected that Dorian would suddenly turn the spotlight on her and force her to

make a choice.

She clenched her fists, bit her lip, and her eyes welled up with tears. “Dad, are you cutting ties with me too?” she asked pitifully.

Dorian’s face remained expressionless, his tone steady. “I’m asking you to choose. If you choose to follow me, you can’t come to Hawthorn Mansion anymore. If you choose to stay with your grandmother, you can’t come to see me. Arabella, you can’t have it both ways. You have to decide.”

Making Arabella choose was his intention.

He had been very disappointed with Arabella’s behavior and character over the years. Especially after Vivienne returned, Arabella’s actions left him even more disappointed.

His relationship with Beatrice was broken, he had made his choice, so Arabella, as his adopted daughter, must also make a choice.

“Dad, why are you and grandma on such bad terms? You used to get along. Grandma is old, she has her own troubles. I may be an adopted child, but I’ve always considered you and mom my real parents. I wish we could all be happy.”

Arabella’s eyes were red and swollen, she cried. “I know that ever since my sister came back, she has been against me, thinking I stole everything that belongs to her, but I didn’t mean to. Dad, can’t you mend things with grandma? I don’t want to leave you guys!”

Dorian frowned, his voice low and chastising, “Enough!”

His voice was almost a roar. Arabella had never seen him so angry, and she flinched.

“Your sister has never been mad at you. She never even mentioned you at home. Where did you get the idea that she’s against you? Arabella, ask yourself, in the two years you’ve been in my house, your mom and I sacrificed ourselves for your well-being, right? Thaddeus is my own son, and sometimes he goes hungry, but I’ve never let you go hungry.”

hung her head,

was a fleeting smirk in her eyes that no

she had a choice, she wouldn’t want to be adopted by Dorian. His family was poor, while the Hawthorns lived in luxury. The

do with budget

favor with Beatrice and got herself back into the Hawthorn family. She didn’t think

not bom as fortunate as Vivienne. If she had a better birth,

best to treat you well. I admit I have ulterior motives, because I hope someone could treat Vivienne as well as I treat you. But I can say for sure that I’ve never treated you poorly. On the contrary, you

not what I mean.” Arabella seemed a

to listen to him go

she would rather they cut ties with Beatrice

you’re annoyed.” Dorian glanced

coldness in her eyes, but she still pretended to look hurt. “Does it have to

it has to be this way.”

I choose grandma.” Arabella only hesitated for

choice.

heartbroken, just nodded and told the lawyer, “Mr. Dylan, please add this condition

objections. He looked

and Mr. Dylan added the

over, and once they agreed,

pulled out another paper from his pocket and handed it to Beatrice. “This is the

to reply and left with Cordelia and

to care or

contained two additional ingredients, and passed it to Michael. “Hurry up and

as soon as possible.”

not fail. The comeback

Chapter 85

“I

developing the perfume requires funds, as does the subsequent marketing. We don’t have much money

sell my jewelry. I’ve calculated it, and the cost

that much.”