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.

just a country bumpkin. She wouldn’t know 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

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

alone had drawn the attention

have belonged to Arabella, and

us! She should look in the mirror before she acts

into the private room, while the Hawthorns were still milling about outside, so

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Chapter 76

still sending every call to voicemail, so Dorian

back, you’ve been on her case. What did she ever do to you? And by the way,

leave.”

snap back at him like that, and he got all huffy. “I’m your brother.

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

nearby, frowned. “Dorian,

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 her for not following the rules? Shouldn’t

was truly

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

minutes, and she was still MIA. Something must

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

ticked off too, but found himself at a loss for

all in

command, Michael and Joseph clammed

It’s an important day, and Vivienne’s tardiness is unacceptable. The Ellingtons are waiting, and if she’s late, people

but Beatrice cut him off. “Go

talk!”

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

Dorian and whispered, “Don’t argue with

not picking up. I’m really worried something might

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Chapter 76

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, “Let’s ask Richard for help. He

Vivienne.”

and then nodded. “Alright, let’s

they were about to approach Richard, they saw Thomas wheeling

sent me to ask when’s