The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 16

Day two

Just past eight in the morning, Dorian and his family were having breakfast when his cell phone rang. The caller ID showed a number he didn’t recognize Lately, Dorian had been getting a lot of calls from unknown numbers, so he was used to it. Most of them were from companies responding to his job applications. Usually, it was something like, “Sorry, Mr. Hawthorn, you don’t meet our recruitment criteria.”

Dorian sighed and answered the call.

“Are you Thaddeus‘ father?” The person on the other end of the line asked, in a friendly tone.

1 am Who’s this?” Dorian responded, while passing Vivienne her breakfast.

Tm the assistant principal at Imperial Blossom Nursery. We’d like to invite Thaddeus to join our school. Is that OK with you?”

Dorian froze, fork in hand. After a pause, he asked, his voice shaky. “Who did you say you are?”

Tm the assistant principal at Imperial Blossom Nursery.” The voice on the other end was still friendly.

Dorian’s mouth dropped open, and he jumped up excitedly. “Imperial Blossom Nursery? You mean, you want my Thaddeus to join your school?” Cordelia also jumped up, equally excited.

Vivienne just looked up and continued to enjoy her fried egg. She turned to Thaddeus, who was looking at her, passed him a piece of toast, and moved the blueberry jam in front of him, whispering, “Eat up, you’re too skinny”

Thaddeus smiled at her and said politely, “Thanks, Vivienne.”

saw Cordelia staring at him excitedly and

she

she would change her mind that he answered quickly and loudly.

arrange for someone to deliver the related documents to your home.” After that, the assistant hung

it true? Is it really true? Thaddeus… got into Imperial Blossom Nursery?”

Blossom Nursery! That was a school that money couldn’t buy! A school that even connections couldn’t

get Michael and Joseph’s son into that nursery school but failed despite pulling many strings. Rumor had it that Joseph’s son was preparing to take the entrance exam for

It’s true!” Dorian felt like he was dreaming. He never thought that such unbelievable good fortune would come

a lucky charm!” Cordelia was all smiles. “Ever since Vivienne came back, we’ve not only moved into Tranquil Estates, but Thaddeus

kiss Vivienne. Sensing her intentions, Vivienne thought to herself, “Please don’t!

In the afternoon.

Hawthorn family’s

of the table, with Joseph and Michael on either

Dorian? Why haven’t we heard anything?”

get Dorian to agree soon,

the teacher had been fired. As the mastermind, she had to get those three out. Thankfully, not many people knew about the incident,

she been at the Emerald Monastery since she was a child? She had heard that Vivienne hadn’t left there for ten years and probably

anxiously. “Ever since Dorian refused to share the perfume formula, the company’s performance has plummeted. Now, only our old customers still use our perfume. If we

and said in a low voice, “What’s the rush? Haven’t I taught you anything? You have to

turned to Joseph. “Joseph, your relationship with Dorian is still good.

anything?” Joseph was irritated. He had called Dorian many times over the past few days, but Dorian never picked up. He’d tried everything, but Dorian just refused to see him. He was at his wit’s

the nanny walked in. “Beatrice, there are two people at the door.