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.

just a country bumpkin. She wouldn’t know manners if they hit her in the face. She’s probably trying to embarrass us on purpose now that she’s engaged to Mr. Ellington.” Alisa Hawthorn grumbled, sounding as sour

a big to-do, but the Ellingtons all showed

alone had drawn the attention of

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

does she think she is? She’s embarrassing us! She should

Hawthorns were still

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Chapter 76

phone was still sending every call to voicemail, so Dorian was climbing the walls. Joseph’s grumbling

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

leave.”

like that, and he got all huffy. “I’m your brother. How dare you talk to me like that? Don’t you

brother, but you’re not my dad!” Dorian shot back, fuming. “If you dare badmouth

nearby, frowned. “Dorian,

lot 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

truly pissed off

She was a level-headed kid. If she said she’d be back before the

the party had been underway for ten minutes, and

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

Michael was ticked off too, but found

“The Ellingtons are all in the

Beatrice’s command, Michael and Joseph

to Dorian. “Don’t blame your brothers for speaking harshly. It’s an important day, and

something, but Beatrice cut him off.

talk!”

be here? If it weren’t for the

and whispered, “Don’t argue

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

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Chapter 76

to the police, they can’t do anything.” Cordella thought for a moment before suggesting, “Let’s ask Richard for help. He has a

Vivienne.”

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

they were about to approach Richard, they saw

grandpa sent me to ask