The Million-Dollar Heart

Chapter 116

Midland Villa.

“Are you guys sure this Vivienne chick doesn’t know jack about perfumery?” Elijah cast a doubtful glance at the Hawthorn family members standing in front of him. Not only was Arabella present, but Beatrice, Michael Hawthorn, and Joseph Hawthorn were all present

too.

After the Hawthorn Group went belly-up, they were cornered by their creditors. They originally planned to lean on Dorian, but Elijah surprisingly popped up, cleared their debts, and even promised to help the Hawthorn Group rise from the ashes.

So now, they were all over Elijah with gratitude. They followed his orders to the letter.

Upon hearing his question, Beatrice rushed to shake her head and answer. “No way! Her mom might have known about perfumery, but she kicked the bucket when she was just nine. How much could she have taught her? She grew up in a convent, so there’s no way she had a chance to learn about perfumery.”

“Why would she challenge me then?” Elijah asked, looking puzzled.

“She must be relying on the perfume formula her mom left behind.” Beatrice replied.

Elijah had the same thought, but he still asked, “Didn’t you say the formula your third son gave you was the last one?”

“He said so, but I think that’s bull.” Beatrice scoffed. “Evelyn made eight perfume formulas when she was with the Hawthorn family. She’s always been one to cover her bases, so why would she only leave one formula for my son? It’s just that he refuses to cough it up!”

Even the one that he did was only given on the condition that they cut ties.

Thinking about the perfume formula in Dorian’s possession made a hint of greed and coldness flash in Elijah’s eyes.

He waved at the Hawthorn family. “Alright, take a hike.”

“But Mr. Elijah, our company…” Beatrice hesitated to ask.

as long as you follow my lead, I guarantee

pursed her lips in discontent but didn’t dare say anything

other two.

stay.” Elijah suddenly spoke

She turned to Beatrice pleadingly. But all Beatrice whispered was, “Do whatever it takes to get on Elijah’s good side. The future of the Hawthorn family, your future, might depend on

Chapter

bankrupt. If Elijah hadn’t publicly taken Arabella as his apprentice today, her

hoped to use Arabella’s beauty and talent to gain a higher status or profit. But now, with Arabella like this, all plans and ambitions were moot.

leave, Arabella bit her lower lip, unable

happy to stay

all.” Arabella quickly turned around and approached

Although Elijah now had an extraordinary status, she still remembered how he had once groveled

talented, he was still far

to snatch Percival back from Vivienne. How could other men possibly catch her

squinted his eyes. pulling her onto the couch. “What’s the matter? Am

but she plastered on a pleasing smile and softened her body against his. “You’ve been so good to me, and I haven’t even had a chance

said when you were rejecting me before.” Elijah was instantly irked at the thought of his past unsuccessful pursuit

that time, you were such a big shot. The daughter of the Hawthom family, the talented

show it on her face. Beatrice was right;

kicked up a fuss today by insisting on having Vivienne as my apprentice, I wouldn’t be in this mess.” Elijah was visibly upset when bringing this

to Vivienne.” Arabella spoke softly to soothe him.

eyes flickered, his expression darkened, and he pushed Arabella

There are people around!” Arabella screamed and struggled, glancing at the bodyguard

guys, out.” Elijah followed Arabella’s cue and shooed everyone

make

know that their every

the staircase, peeping through the door crack at

but Elijah showed no

minutes later, the

raised an eyebrow

catching a

an untidy Arabella to the