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.

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 Ellingtons all

drawn the attention of all

away the glory that should have belonged to Arabella, and that

should look in the mirror before she acts high

the Hawthorns were still milling about

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Chapter 76

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

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 wait,

leave.”

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

you dare

frowned. “Dorian, that’s out

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

was truly pissed off

knew Vivienne well. She was a level-headed kid. If she

ten minutes, and she was still MIA. Something must have

on about how Vivienne

too, but found himself at a loss for

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

Michael and Joseph

brothers for speaking harshly. It’s an important day, and Vivienne’s tardiness is unacceptable. The Ellingtons are waiting, and if she’s late, people will say the Hawthorns have no

to say something, but Beatrice

talk!”

he really think she wanted to be here? If it

whispered, “Don’t argue with them. Let’s try to reach Vivienne

she’s not picking up. I’m really worried something might have happened

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Chapter 76

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

Vivienne.”

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

as they were about to approach Richard, they saw Thomas wheeling Percival

grandpa sent me to ask when’s the