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.

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

family. It wasn’t a big to-do, but the Ellingtons all showed

the attention of

belonged to

She’s embarrassing us! She should look in the mirror before

Ellingtons had already shuffled 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. Joseph’s grumbling was the

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.”

he got all huffy. “I’m your brother. How dare you talk

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 a

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

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 the rules? Shouldn’t you, as her relatives, be more concerned about her

was truly pissed

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

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

freaking out, but these people were still blabbering on about how Vivienne was rude and ill-mannered. Did they think he

too, but found himself

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

Beatrice’s command, Michael

blame your brothers for speaking harshly. It’s an important day, and Vivienne’s tardiness is unacceptable. The Ellingtons are

Beatrice

talk!”

he really think she wanted to be here? If it weren’t for the Ellingtons’ bridal gift, she

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

picking up. I’m really worried something might have happened to

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Chapter 76

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

Vivienne.”

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

were about to approach Richard, they saw Thomas wheeling

sent me to