The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 26

At Tranquil Estates.

When Vivienne got back, Dorian and Cordelia were just stepping through the door. Vivienne gave a shout, then asked, “Mr. Hawthorn, how’s the enrollment coming along?”

Earlier that day, Dorian and Cordelia had taken Thaddeus to sign up at the Imperial Blossom Nursery.

Dorian nodded in response. “It’s going well. Thaddeus really likes the school.” There was a hint of tiredness on his face as he sank onto the couch, looking worn out.

Vivienne sat down next to him, gave him a once–over, then asked, “What’s up?”

“Ah!” Dorian sighed, “It’s nothing, I’m used to it.”

Seeing his reluctance to spill the beans, Vivienne turned to Cordelia. “What’s going on?”

She wasn’t one to stick her nose into other people’s business, but she was quite comfortable with Dorian and his family. If she could help, she would naturally offer a hand.

But Dorian seemed to always shy away from troubling her, keeping things to himself.

“Forget him.” Cordelia rolled her eyes at Dorian, then gave him a pat. “It’s no big deal. Even if you can’t find work, I’ve got some savings. You can look for work in other cities. Beatrice might have her claws in Havenwood, but can she reach everywhere else?”

Cordelia added, “Besides, Thaddeus‘ tuition has been completely waived. What are you worried about? Don’t bring your work troubles home and ruin Vivienne’s mood.”

They had just found out that day, when they went to sign up, that Imperial Blossom Nursery had waived Thaddeus‘ tuition. To them, this was like manna

from heaven.

the high tuition. So they decided to send Thaddeus to a regular

the tuition problem solved, Dorian was still stressing over finding work, complaining all the way home about how he wouldn’t be able to support his family. It was driving

got it, Dorian was having a hard time finding work because of Beatrice’s meddling. She gave a small smile, she didn’t care if Dorian had a job or not, she was fully capable of supporting

quite down in the dumps lately because

opened her social media, and found 99 new messages on Facebook. She was stunned, then remembered

looking for work? How about joining our company?

you need a job? Come to Alliance Enterprises. I’ll give you the chairman position, cause I want

your address, I’ll send you a cool 10 million to spend!”

helplessly at the comments, finally resting her eyes on the last one. The principal from Cloudcrest High School in Havenwood asked, “Would you like

app and opened a chat with a user named ‘Dawson‘ whose

“Oh no! Mystic Mistress, you don’t even know where

feel like chatting, so she sent Dorian’s resume over. “Find a spot for him.” After a pause,

I’ll make sure your dad is well taken

long message then came from his

off her phone.

Not sure what the person on the other end was saying, but Dorian replied solemnly,

up Dorian looked at Cordelia and Vivienne, “Joseph invited us to his wife’s birthday party tonight, and he made a point to say Vivienne should come too.”

they want Vivienne there? They don’t like her,

“Let’s go! Let’s see what they’re up

folks at Hawthorn Mansion wouldn’t invite them for no reason. Perfect! She was curious to see what

Elsewhere.

accepted the invitation.

In the car.

fixed on the world outside the car. His face was stone–cold and expressionless. His fingers were still lazily tapping on the screen, and his eyes