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 switched his phone

assistant principal asked, sounding a tad exasperated. Any other person, and she would not have

so afraid that she would change her mind that he answered quickly and

go out today. I will arrange for someone to deliver the related documents to your home.” After that,

excitedly grabbed Dorian’s arm. “Dorian, is it true? Is it really true? Thaddeus…

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

Michael and Joseph’s son into that nursery school but failed despite pulling many strings. Rumor had it that Joseph’s son

he was dreaming. He never thought that such unbelievable

Cordelia was all smiles. “Ever since Vivienne came back, we’ve not only moved into Tranquil Estates, but Thaddeus also got into Imperial Blossom Nursery Vivienne is

that she almost ran over to hug and kiss Vivienne. Sensing her

In the afternoon.

Hawthorn family’s

with Joseph and Michael on either side of her.

on with Dorian? Why haven’t we heard anything?” Michael

been three days. We need to get Dorian to agree soon, or this marriage is off,” Joseph

their plan had failed. The three people they had hired had been arrested, and the principal and the teacher had been fired. As the mastermind,

had heard that Vivienne hadn’t left there

share the perfume formula, the company’s performance has plummeted. Now,

and said in a low voice, “What’s the rush? Haven’t

put down her teacup and turned to Joseph. “Joseph, your relationship with Dorian is still good. Why

answer my calls. How am I supposed to find out 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

at the door. They say they’re from Imperial Blossom Nursery. They’ve brought some