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.

discontent but didn’t dare say anything

other two.

Elijah suddenly spoke

Beatrice whispered was, “Do whatever it takes to get on Elijah’s good side. The future of the

Chapter

taken Arabella as his apprentice today,

with Arabella like this, all plans and ambitions were moot. It was already a blessing that

others leave, Arabella bit her lower

to stay with me?” Elijah

Arabella quickly

course, she wasn’t happy. Although Elijah now had an extraordinary status, she still remembered how he had once groveled

he was

hoped to snatch Percival back from

for me, you’d still be rotting in jail. Elijah squinted his eyes.

was unhappy inside, but she plastered on a pleasing smile and softened her body against his. “You’ve been so good to

said when you were rejecting me before.” Elijah was instantly irked at the

of the Hawthom family, the talented beauty of Havenwood. You were so stuck

on her face. Beatrice was right; everything depended on Elijah now. Until she

you hadn’t kicked up a fuss today by insisting on having Vivienne as my apprentice, I wouldn’t be in this mess.”

to Vivienne.” Arabella spoke softly to soothe him. “You’re the

and he pushed Arabella down

here. There are people around!” Arabella screamed and struggled, glancing at

out.” Elijah followed Arabella’s cue and

he began to forcefully make out with

their every

hiding in a storage room under the staircase, peeping through the door

kept pleading throughout, but Elijah

later,

eyebrow

catching a glimpse of

shoved an untidy

floor with her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Not only had she made a fool of herself, he had the nerve