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.

her lips in discontent but didn’t dare say anything

other two.

stay.” Elijah suddenly

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

Chapter

Arabella as his apprentice today, her

higher status or profit. But now, with Arabella like this, all

the others leave, Arabella bit her lower lip, unable to

stay with

all.” Arabella quickly turned around and

status, she still remembered how he had

if Elijah was talented, he was still far

hoped to snatch Percival back from Vivienne. How could other men possibly catch

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

a pleasing smile and softened her body against his. “You’ve been

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

that time, you were such a big shot. The daughter of the Hawthom family,

in her waist from his grip but didn’t dare show it on her face. Beatrice was right; everything depended on Elijah now. Until she could use him to completely

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

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

and he pushed

are people around!” Arabella screamed

Elijah followed Arabella’s cue

make out

know that their every move was being watched by

in a storage room under the staircase, peeping through the door crack at the scene in

but Elijah showed

minutes later,

raised an eyebrow slightly. That

catching a glimpse of

he shoved an

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