The Million-Dollar Heart

Chapter 76

Dorian and Cordelia looked pretty peeved.

Their outfits were freshly bought and cost them a grand. Splurging a thousand bucks on clothes was a bit much for them, but for their daughter Vivienne, they bit the bullet and paid

They didn’t expect even that to earn them the stink eye.

Today was the engagement party, and the whole Hawthorn clan was there. They were all dolled up to the nines.

If you didn’t know better, you’d think the Hawthorns were hosting the show.

Dorian was a bit miffed, but hey, it was Vivienne’s party, so he kept his trap shut.

There were four tables set for the party.

Three were hogged by the Hawthorns.

The Ellingtons took up one table. Aside from Richard, the rest of the Ellington crew was there

too.

Their group wasn’t big. They were just enough to fill one table.

The party was supposed to kick off at noon, but as the clock ticked closer, Vivienne was still

a no-show.

Cordelia and Dorian had been blowing up Vivienne’s phone, but she never answered.

“What’s Vivienne’s deal? She’s late for her own engagement party and is keeping all these elders waiting. What gives?” Joseph Hawthorn was still sore from Vivienne’s previous scheme, and he hadn’t been able to smooth things over with Octavia yet, so seeing Vivienne playing hooky didn’t do him any favors.

the face. She’s probably trying to embarrass us on purpose now that she’s engaged to Mr. Ellington.” Alisa Hawthorn grumbled, sounding as

by Dorian’s family. It wasn’t a big

had drawn the attention

that should have belonged to Arabella, and that didn’t sit right with

think she is? She’s embarrassing us! She should look in the mirror before she acts high

the private room, while the Hawthorns were still milling about outside,

12.07

Chapter 76

voicemail, so Dorian was climbing the walls.

case. What did she ever do to you? And by the way, you weren’t even invited to this party. If you can’t wait,

leave.”

like that, and he got all huffy. “I’m your brother. How dare you

shot back, fuming. “If you dare badmouth my daughter again, I’ll kick you out! I

standing nearby, frowned. “Dorian, that’s out of

you here today genuinely wishes well for my daughter? Have any of you given her any gifts? And now you’re blaming her for not following the rules? Shouldn’t you, as her relatives, be more concerned

truly pissed off

was a level-headed kid. If she said she’d be

underway for ten minutes, and

on about how Vivienne was rude and ill-mannered. Did they think he

ticked off too, but found

“The Ellingtons are all in the private room, and we’re out here squabbling. How disgraceful

Beatrice’s command, Michael and Joseph clammed

speaking harshly. It’s an important day,

but Beatrice cut him off. “Go find Vivienne.

talk!”

If it weren’t for the Ellingtons’ bridal gift, she wouldn’t even

argue with them.

tried calling her many times, but she’s not picking up. I’m really worried something might have happened to her.” Dorian voiced his

12.07

Chapter 76

able to get in touch with Vivienne last night. It hasn’t been 24 hours yet, so even if we report to the police, they can’t do anything.” Cordella thought for a moment before suggesting, “Let’s

Vivienne.”

moment and then nodded. “Alright, let’s ask Richard for

they were about to approach Richard, they saw Thomas

greeted them. “My grandpa sent me to ask when’s the