The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 116

Midland Villa.

“Are you guys sure this Vivienne chick doesn’t know jack about perfumery?” Elijah cast a doubtful glance at the Hawthorn family members standing in front of him. Not only was Arabella present, but Beatrice, Michael Hawthorn, and Joseph Hawthorn were all present

too.

After the Hawthorn Group went belly-up, they were cornered by their creditors. They originally planned to lean on Dorian, but Elijah surprisingly popped up, cleared their debts, and even promised to help the Hawthorn Group rise from the ashes.

So now, they were all over Elijah with gratitude. They followed his orders to the letter.

Upon hearing his question, Beatrice rushed to shake her head and answer. “No way! Her mom might have known about perfumery, but she kicked the bucket when she was just nine. How much could she have taught her? She grew up in a convent, so there’s no way she had a chance to learn about perfumery.”

“Why would she challenge me then?” Elijah asked, looking puzzled.

“She must be relying on the perfume formula her mom left behind.” Beatrice replied.

Elijah had the same thought, but he still asked, “Didn’t you say the formula your third son gave you was the last one?”

“He said so, but I think that’s bull.” Beatrice scoffed. “Evelyn made eight perfume formulas when she was with the Hawthorn family. She’s always been one to cover her bases, so why would she only leave one formula for my son? It’s just that he refuses to cough it up!”

Even the one that he did was only given on the condition that they cut ties.

Thinking about the perfume formula in Dorian’s possession made a hint of greed and coldness flash in Elijah’s eyes.

He waved at the Hawthorn family. “Alright, take a hike.”

“But Mr. Elijah, our company…” Beatrice hesitated to ask.

“I’ve told you that as long as you follow my lead, I guarantee the Hawthorn Group will rise again.” Elijah dismissed Beatrice nonchalantly.

in discontent but didn’t dare say anything more

other two.

stay.” Elijah suddenly

already at the entrance, stiffened. She turned to Beatrice pleadingly. But all Beatrice whispered was, “Do whatever it takes to get on Elijah’s good side. The

Chapter

bankrupt. If Elijah hadn’t publicly taken Arabella as his apprentice today,

But now, with Arabella like this, all plans and ambitions were moot.

leave, Arabella bit her lower

Not happy to stay

all.” Arabella quickly turned

extraordinary status, she still remembered how he

talented, he was

had always hoped to snatch Percival back from Vivienne.

rotting in jail. Elijah squinted his eyes. pulling her onto the couch. “What’s the matter? Am

a pleasing smile and softened her body

you were rejecting me before.” Elijah was instantly irked

the Hawthom

show it on her face. Beatrice

as my apprentice, I wouldn’t

to Vivienne.” Arabella spoke softly to soothe

darkened, and he pushed

There are people around!” Arabella screamed and

Elijah followed Arabella’s cue and shooed

make out with Arabella

their every move was being watched by

room under the staircase, peeping through

but Elijah showed no

minutes later,

eyebrow slightly.

a glimpse of the

instantly, and he shoved an untidy Arabella to the ground.

with embarrassment. Not only had she made a fool of herself, he