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.

stay.” Elijah suddenly

She turned to Beatrice pleadingly. But all Beatrice whispered was, “Do whatever it

Chapter

Group was bankrupt. If Elijah hadn’t publicly taken Arabella as

a higher status or profit. But now, with Arabella like this, all plans and ambitions were moot. It

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

Not happy to stay

at all.” Arabella quickly turned around and

an extraordinary status, she still remembered how he had once groveled to

Elijah was talented, he

from Vivienne. How could

rotting in jail. Elijah squinted his eyes. pulling her onto the couch. “What’s the matter? Am I not good enough

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

me before.” Elijah was instantly irked at the thought of his past unsuccessful pursuit of

a big shot. The daughter of the Hawthom family, the

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

as my apprentice, I wouldn’t

to Vivienne.” Arabella spoke softly to

expression darkened, and he pushed Arabella

screamed and struggled, glancing at the bodyguard close

guys, out.” Elijah followed Arabella’s cue

began to forcefully make

did Elijah know that their every move was being watched by another

under the staircase, peeping through the door crack at the scene in the living

but

minutes later, the

raised an eyebrow slightly. That

phone started to buzz. After catching a glimpse of the caller ID,

an untidy Arabella

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