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.

know manners if they hit her in the face. She’s probably trying to embarrass us on purpose now that she’s engaged to

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

alone had drawn the attention of all of

have belonged to Arabella, and

embarrassing us! She should

into the private room, while the Hawthorns were still milling

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Chapter 76

sending every call to voicemail, so Dorian was climbing the walls.

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, feel

leave.”

he got all huffy. “I’m your brother.

“If you

frowned. “Dorian, that’s

“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

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

now, the party had been underway for ten minutes, and she

about how Vivienne

ticked off too, but found himself at

in the private room, and we’re out here squabbling. How

Beatrice’s command, Michael and Joseph clammed

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

Beatrice cut him

talk!”

wanted to be here? If it weren’t for the

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

calling her many times, but she’s not picking up. I’m really worried something might

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Chapter 76

to 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 moment before suggesting,

Vivienne.”

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

they were about to approach Richard,

them. “My grandpa sent me to