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.

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 as a

engagement party was hosted by Dorian’s family. It wasn’t a big to-do, but the

the attention of all

the glory that should have belonged to Arabella,

does she think she is? She’s embarrassing us! She should look in the mirror

Ellingtons had already shuffled into the private room, while the Hawthorns

12.07

Chapter 76

voicemail, so Dorian was climbing the walls. Joseph’s grumbling was the last

ever do to you? And by

leave.”

and he got all huffy. “I’m your brother. How dare you talk to me like that?

be my brother, but you’re not my dad!” Dorian shot back, fuming. “If you dare badmouth my daughter again, I’ll kick you out! I don’t need

“Dorian, that’s

of line?” Dorian retorted. “Who among the whole 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

was truly pissed off

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

party had been underway for ten minutes, and she

about how Vivienne was rude and ill-mannered. Did

off too, but found himself

in sharply. “The Ellingtons are all in the private room,

Beatrice’s command, Michael and Joseph

and then turned to Dorian. “Don’t blame your brothers for speaking harshly. It’s an important day, and Vivienne’s tardiness is unacceptable. The

but Beatrice cut him off.

talk!”

she wanted to be here? If it

argue with them. Let’s try to reach Vivienne

up. I’m really worried something might have happened to her.” Dorian

12.07

Chapter 76

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

Vivienne.”

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

approach Richard, they saw Thomas wheeling

greeted them. “My grandpa sent me to ask