The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 27

Nighttime at Hawthorn Mansion.

The banquet kicked off at eight.

Vivienne and Dorian rocked up at half past seven to Hawthorn's crib.

The mansion front was jam-packed with luxury cars.

In the hall, Arabella was looking all dolled up in a custom dress, sipping red wine and mingling with the guests. With her chin up and chest out, she wore a confident smile, looking every bit the rightful heiress of the Hawthorn family.

As soon as Vivienne and her crew stepped in, Arabella spotted them. She walked over, wine glass in hand, and greeted them with a warm smile. "Dad, Mom, Vivienne, you made it? Come on in, the guests are almost all here."

In a very hostess-like tone, she added, "I hope you brought your appetites tonight."

Dorian frowned, his face looking a tad sour. Was she implying they were poor and couldn't afford good food on the regular?

Cordelia didn't look too pleased either, but she kept her mouth shut.

Arabella turned to Vivienne with a smile. "By the way, sis, Mr. Ellington will be joining us tonight."

Vivienne raised an eyebrow, "So what?"

"Mr. Ellington is really into you. He wasn't planning on coming, but he changed his mind when he heard you'd be here." Arabella kept her polite smile, looking like the perfect sweet, well-mannered girl in everyone's eyes.

"I see," Vivienne replied nonchalantly. "Are you jealous or something?"

"What?" Arabella was taken aback, not getting the implication at first.

Vivienne smirked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "If you fancy him, I can totally step aside!"

Arabella was taken aback, barely holding her composure. "You can't just make things up."

She liked Percival? What a joke! That worthless man was nowhere near her league!

"If you don't like him, watch your words!" Vivienne said calmly, her eyes narrowing slightly.

A fleeting look of spite crossed Arabella's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.

Vivienne gave her a quick glance and decided to ignore her, turning to join Dorian in greeting some acquaintances. Just as she turned away, a mature-looking girl walked up to her, gave Vivienne a once-over and sneered at Arabella, "Who's she? Your friend? Why would she come to Octavia's birthday party dressed like this?"

This girl was Michael's daughter, Alisa. She had been staying at her grandpa's during her visit, so she didn't know Vivienne and thought her outfit was too plain.

Vivienne glanced at her own outfit - jeans, white tee, sneakers. What was wrong with that?

"Alisa, watch your mouth. She's your cousin," Arabella whispered to Alisa.

Alisa gave Vivienne a disdainful look. "So you're Dorian's long-lost daughter? Not as impressive as I thought. How could you snatch Arabella's fiancé? What were you thinking?"