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

other two.

stay.” Elijah suddenly spoke

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

Chapter

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

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

watching Beatrice and the others leave, Arabella bit her lower lip, unable to hide the hatred

happy to stay with

Arabella quickly

Although Elijah now had an extraordinary status, she still remembered how he had once groveled to win

was talented, he

Percival back from Vivienne. How could other men possibly

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

her body against his. “You’ve been so good to me, and I haven’t even had a chance to

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

time, you were such a big shot. The daughter of the Hawthom family, the talented beauty of Havenwood. You were

was shallow then.” Arabella felt the pain 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 change her fate,

up a fuss today by insisting on having Vivienne as my apprentice, I wouldn’t be

your abilities, there’s no way you’d lose to Vivienne.” Arabella spoke softly to soothe him. “You’re the famous Perfume

his expression darkened, and he pushed

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

followed Arabella’s cue and shooed everyone else

forcefully make

every move

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

pleading throughout, but Elijah showed no

later, the commotion

raised an eyebrow slightly. That was

catching a glimpse of the caller ID,

shoved an

had she made a fool of herself, he had