The Million-Dollar Heart

Chapter 85

Arabella was off work and at home again today. She didn’t have to be here, but she wanted to see the look on their face when Dorian and his families left in disgrace. So, she stuck around with Beatrice.

She kept her mouth shut during Dorian and Beatrice’s conversation. As a junior, she knew it wasn’t her place to butt in.

But she never expected that Dorian would suddenly turn the spotlight on her and force her to

make a choice.

She clenched her fists, bit her lip, and her eyes welled up with tears. “Dad, are you cutting ties with me too?” she asked pitifully.

Dorian’s face remained expressionless, his tone steady. “I’m asking you to choose. If you choose to follow me, you can’t come to Hawthorn Mansion anymore. If you choose to stay with your grandmother, you can’t come to see me. Arabella, you can’t have it both ways. You have to decide.”

Making Arabella choose was his intention.

He had been very disappointed with Arabella’s behavior and character over the years. Especially after Vivienne returned, Arabella’s actions left him even more disappointed.

His relationship with Beatrice was broken, he had made his choice, so Arabella, as his adopted daughter, must also make a choice.

“Dad, why are you and grandma on such bad terms? You used to get along. Grandma is old, she has her own troubles. I may be an adopted child, but I’ve always considered you and mom my real parents. I wish we could all be happy.”

Arabella’s eyes were red and swollen, she cried. “I know that ever since my sister came back, she has been against me, thinking I stole everything that belongs to her, but I didn’t mean to. Dad, can’t you mend things with grandma? I don’t want to leave you guys!”

Dorian frowned, his voice low and chastising, “Enough!”

His voice was almost a roar. Arabella had never seen him so angry, and she flinched.

the idea that she’s against you? Arabella, ask yourself, in the two years

hung her head,

smirk in her eyes that no one

she wouldn’t want to be adopted by Dorian. His family was poor, while the Hawthorns lived in

make do with

the Hawthorn family. She didn’t think she did anything wrong.

Vivienne. If she had

best to treat you well. I admit I have ulterior motives, because I hope someone could treat Vivienne as well as I treat you. But I can

not what I mean.” Arabella seemed

listen

she would rather they cut ties with Beatrice as soon as

annoyed.” Dorian glanced at her coolly. Just make a choice now, stay or go, it’s up to

bit her lip lightly, a glint of coldness in her eyes, but she still pretended to look hurt. “Does it have

to be this way.” Dorian said

grandma.” Arabella only hesitated for a few

choice.

wasn’t heartbroken, just nodded and told the lawyer,

objections. He

nodded, and Mr. Dylan added

and once they agreed, they

from his pocket and handed it to Beatrice. “This is the full

wait for Beatrice to reply and left with Cordelia and

one in the Hawthorn family seemed to care or

contained two additional ingredients, and passed it to

as soon as possible.”

paused, then added seriously, ‘Remember, we can only succeed, not fail. The comeback of the Hawthorn family depends

Chapter 85

nodded. “I

“But developing the perfume requires funds, as does the subsequent marketing. We don’t have much

money. If it comes to it, we can sell my jewelry. I’ve calculated it, and the cost of R&D and marketing should be