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.

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

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

had drawn the attention

glory that should have belonged to Arabella, and that didn’t sit

does she think she is? She’s embarrassing us! She should look in the mirror before she acts high and mighty!” Joseph

while the Hawthorns were

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Chapter 76

every call to voicemail, so Dorian was climbing the walls. Joseph’s

enough! Ever since Vivienne came back, you’ve been on her case. What did she ever do to you? And by

leave.”

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

but you’re not my dad!” Dorian shot back, fuming. “If you dare

“Dorian, that’s out

of 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

truly pissed off

If she said she’d be back

the party had been underway for ten minutes, and she was still MIA.

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

but found

bickering!” Beatrice cut in sharply. “The Ellingtons are all in the private room,

command, Michael and Joseph clammed

brothers for speaking harshly. It’s an important day, and Vivienne’s tardiness is unacceptable.

something, but Beatrice cut him off. “Go find Vivienne.

talk!”

he really think she wanted to be here? If it weren’t for

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

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

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Chapter 76

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.

Vivienne.”

for a moment and then nodded. “Alright,

were about to approach Richard, they saw Thomas wheeling

sent me to ask