The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 10

Beatrice looked at the head of the Ellington family, Richard, in front of her, and she dared not even

breathe audibly. “What brings you here out of the blue, Mr. Ellington?” she asked.

She then turned to look at Percival, who was sitting in a wheelchair, feeling nothing but scorn. What

use was having the status of the Ellington family?

Percival was disabled and the future of the Ellington family wouldn’t be in his hands.

“Madam, about the marriage arrangement between our families, I hope you could give it another

thought.” Richard said, sitting upright, radiating a sense of authority.

Beatrice didn’t expect the Ellington family to take this marriage arrangement so seriously that Richard

himself would come. She was caught off guard, “I’m not opposed to it. It’s just that the kids aren’t on

board.”

At this moment, she felt a bit miffed at Vivienne. What a clueless child. She had made the decision on

his own, putting her in such a passive position in front of Richard.

“The two kids haven’t met before, so it’s normal for them not to have feelings for each other. They’ll

develop a bond as they spend more time together. Don’t worry, my grandson is very caring, and he

won’t let Arabella down.”

Without waiting for Beatrice to respond, Richard took out a check, “To show our sincerity, consider this

10 million dollars an investment. On the day of the engagement, we’ll give another 10 million dollars as

a gift.”

Beatrice’s eyes widened, a 10 million investment plus a 10 million gift? The Ellington family was truly

loaded. She was so stunned that she couldn’t speak.

Seeing her hesitation, Richard continued, “A few days ago, Arabella saved my granddaughter; she’s a

savior to the Ellington family. This shows that our families are meant to be, don’t you think?”

Beatrice was taken aback, “Are you mistaken? I didn’t hear Arabella say she saved your

granddaughter.”

“She saved a five–year–old girl at the mall entrance a few days ago, that was my granddaughter,

Isolde.”

It turned out that Percival had asked Thomas to deliver a thank–you gift that day, but something came

up, and the gift wasn’t delivered.

Arabella, who had just returned from outside, overheard this and stopped in her tracks.

At the mall entrance? Did Vivienne really save that girl?

Arabella composed herself and walked in. “Granny.” She greeted Beatrice and when she turned to see

Percival, her expression froze. He was so handsome. When did such a good–looking guy appear in

this city?

She quickly averted her eyes, then turned to Beatrice and asked, “Who are they?”

Beatrice introduced them, “This is Mr. Ellington from the Ellington family, and his grandson, Percival.”

Upon hearing this, Arabella’s expression changed and she looked at Percival with disdain. So this was

the disabled guy. But what was the use of just being good looking?

Recalling Richard’s previous words, Arabella scoffed, the average–looking little girl at the mall entrance

was Percival’s sister?

This brother and sister duo, one was so ugly and the other was disabled.

Although this was what Arabella was thinking, she didn’t show it on her face, “Nice meeting you,

Mr.Richard.”

“Pleasure.” Richard replied with a smile, “Arabella, I want to thank you for saving Isolde the other day.

Name your reward. Don’t hold back

He had been in the business world for many years and naturally noticed the disdain in Arabella’s eyes.

But she was Arabella, the daughter of the Hawthorn family. Even if he was a bit displeased, he couldn’t

show it.

Hearing such a generous offer, Arabella was somewhat tempted. The Ellington family was the largest

family in Rivenwood, and everything they owned was valuable. However, she quickly suppressed this

thought. She didn’t want to have anything to do with Percival. She laughed and said, “I just did what

anyone would do. If anyone else had fallen ill at the entrance of the mall, I would have helped.”

Arabella then added, “By the way, Mr.Richard, I think you might have misunderstood. I’m not the

daughter of the Hawthorn family.”

Hearing this, Richard, Percival, Leopold, and Thomas were all surprised. After a while, Leopold

suddenly looked at her, “You’re not the daughter of the Hawthorn family?”

“Yes, I was adopted by my father. My sister was only brought back home a few days ago.” Arabella

replied with a gentle smile.

Y

Leopold stared at Arabella for a few seconds, and his expression suddenly darkened, “Is the Hawthorn

family trying to dodge the marriage agreement by using a stand–in?”

The fact that Arabella was adopted was true, which they knew from their investigations. But they had

never heard that Dorian, who had adopted Arabella, had another daughter.

Richard’s face also turned grim. He didn’t necessarily want Percival to marry Arabella; he had just

promised Evelyn and had been trying to make this marriage happen. But the Hawthorn family using this

as an excuse was too much.

Percival’s deep gazes narrowed slightly, his long fingers tapping on his leg. The person who had called

him did sound different from Arabella.

“Since then, can we call her over for a chat?” Richard’s face brightened up a bit.

“I’ve already given her a ring. She should be on her way over,” Beatrice explained gingerly.

When Vivienne arrived at the old house, Dorian and Cordelia were already waiting for her. She walked

over and greeted, “Dad.”

“Mm–hm.” Dorian nodded, then explained, “Cassie gave me a buzz out of the blue, says your

grandma’s got heart attack and wants us to hurry back.

After all, she’s my mom.”

Vivienne was a bit flummoxed. Heart attack? What kind of excuse was that? Instead of taking her

grandma to the hospital for her heart attack, they waited for her son to come visit in person? Did her

son have some magical healing powers? Only a straight shooter like Dorian would buy such a story.

“I see. Let’s go check on her then.” She wondered what kind of game Beatrice was playing.

They followed the nanny inside.

As soon as they entered the living room, they saw Richard and the others. Vivienne looked up at them,

and her gaze met with Percival’s.

Both of them were taken aback.

It was him?

It was her?