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

She turned to Beatrice pleadingly. But all Beatrice whispered was, “Do whatever it takes to get on Elijah’s good side. The future of the Hawthorn family, your future, might depend on

Chapter

Group was bankrupt. If Elijah hadn’t publicly taken Arabella as his apprentice today, her reputation would

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

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

to stay with me?” Elijah

quickly

now had an extraordinary status, she still

talented, he was

always hoped to snatch Percival back from

If it weren’t for me, you’d still be rotting in jail. Elijah squinted his eyes. pulling her onto the couch. “What’s the matter? Am I not good enough

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

rejecting me before.” Elijah was instantly irked at the thought

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

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,

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

flickered, his expression darkened, and he pushed Arabella down

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

out.” Elijah followed Arabella’s cue and shooed

to forcefully make out with Arabella on the

did Elijah know that their every move

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

kept pleading throughout, but Elijah showed no

later, the commotion

eyebrow slightly.

catching a glimpse of the caller ID,

instantly, and he shoved an untidy Arabella

with embarrassment. Not only had she made a