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.”

her head, not saying a

was a fleeting smirk in her eyes that no

she wouldn’t want to be adopted by Dorian. His family was poor, while the Hawthorns lived in luxury. The Hawthorn girls could wear designer clothes,

make do with budget

and got herself back into the Hawthorn family. She

fortunate as Vivienne. If she had

as well as I treat you. But I can say for sure that

not what I mean.” Arabella seemed a

have to listen to him go on like

family, she would rather they cut

say more. I can see you’re annoyed.” Dorian glanced at her coolly. Just make a

pretended to look hurt. “Does

to be this

I choose grandma.” Arabella only hesitated for

choice.

Dorian’s expectations. He wasn’t heartbroken, just nodded and told the lawyer,

had no objections. He looked at

Mr. Dylan

over, and once they agreed,

signing, Dorian pulled out another paper from his pocket and handed it

to reply

Hawthorn family seemed to

additional ingredients, and passed it to Michael. “Hurry up and get the

as soon as possible.”

only succeed, not

Chapter 85

nodded. “I

requires funds, as does the subsequent

it, and the cost of R&D and marketing should be around half a million. My jewelry should be

that much.”