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.

Thaddeus got accepted into Imperial Blossom Nursery, she was thrilled. But after discussing with Dorian, they realized they couldn’t afford the high tuition. So they decided to send Thaddeus

the way home about how he wouldn’t be able to support his family. It

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

in his forties and was looking quite

Facebook. She was stunned, then remembered her post asking for job leads,

work? How about joining our

job? Come to Alliance Enterprises.

you need money? Tell me your address, I’ll send you a

last one. The principal from Cloudcrest

was confused, Cloudcrest High School was where Arabella went to school. Having read the comments, she left the app and opened a chat with a user named ‘Dawson‘

Mistress, you don’t even know where my branches are? I’m

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

I’ll make sure your dad

then came from his

off her

Not sure what the person

his wife’s birthday party tonight, and he made a point to

they want Vivienne there? They don’t like her, why the sudden change

“Let’s go! Let’s see what they’re up to.”

wouldn’t invite them for no reason. Perfect! She was curious to see what they were

Elsewhere.

also accepted the invitation.

In the car.

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