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

wasn’t a big to-do, but the Ellingtons all showed up in million-dollar

had drawn the attention of all of

have belonged to Arabella, and that didn’t sit

us! She should look in the mirror before

private room, while the Hawthorns were still milling about outside, so Percival didn’t catch

12.07

Chapter 76

voicemail, so Dorian was climbing the walls.

enough! Ever since Vivienne came 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.

leave.”

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

“If you dare badmouth my daughter again, I’ll kick you out! I don’t need

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

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

truly pissed

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

ten minutes, and she was still MIA. Something must

was freaking out, but these people were still blabbering on about how Vivienne

was ticked off too, but found himself at a loss for

Ellingtons are all in the private

command, Michael

important day, and Vivienne’s tardiness is unacceptable. The Ellingtons

but Beatrice cut him off.

talk!”

it weren’t for the Ellingtons’ bridal gift, she

at Dorian and whispered, “Don’t argue with them. Let’s try

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

12.07

Chapter 76

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 ask Richard for help. He

Vivienne.”

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

as they were about to approach Richard, they saw

“My grandpa sent me to ask when’s