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.

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

by Dorian’s family. It wasn’t a big to-do, but the Ellingtons all showed up in million-dollar

the attention of all

that should have belonged to

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

had already shuffled into the private room, while the Hawthorns were still milling about

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Chapter 76

sending every call to voicemail, so Dorian was

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

leave.”

expect Dorian to snap back at him like that, and he got all huffy. “I’m your brother. How dare you

back, fuming. “If you dare badmouth my daughter again, I’ll kick you out! I don’t need a brother

standing nearby, frowned. “Dorian, that’s

daughter? Have any of you given her any gifts? And now you’re blaming her for not

was truly pissed

Vivienne well. She was a level-headed kid. If she said she’d be back before the engagement party, she’d be

party had been underway for ten minutes, and she was still MIA. Something must have

on about how

but

in the

command, Michael

Dorian. “Don’t blame your 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

Dorian tried to say something, but Beatrice cut

talk!”

here? If it weren’t for the Ellingtons’ bridal gift, she

argue with

up. I’m really

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Chapter 76

police, they can’t do anything.” Cordella thought for a moment before suggesting, “Let’s

Vivienne.”

moment and then nodded. “Alright,

were about to approach Richard, they saw Thomas wheeling

greeted them. “My grandpa sent