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 kindergarten. They went to Imperial Blossom Nursery to explain, only to be told that Thaddeus‘ tuition was waived. This was cause for celebration.

even with 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.

Dorian was having a hard time finding work because of Beatrice’s meddling. She gave a small smile,

his forties and was looking quite down in the dumps lately because of work.

and found 99 new messages on Facebook. She was stunned, then remembered her post asking for job leads, which she hadn’t

I seeing this right? You’re really looking for work? How about

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

me your address, I’ll send

finally resting her eyes on the last one. The principal from Cloudcrest High School

left the app and opened a chat with a user named ‘Dawson‘ whose profile picture was black, “Does Alliance Enterprises

instantly, “Oh no! Mystic Mistress, you don’t even know where my branches are? I’m

“Find a spot for him.” After a pause, she added, “He’s my

worry. I’ll make sure your dad is well taken care

long message then came

shut off her phone.

Dorian’s phone rang. Not sure what the person on the other end was saying, but Dorian replied solemnly,

and Vivienne, “Joseph invited us to his wife’s birthday party tonight, and he made a point to say Vivienne

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

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

invite them for no reason. Perfect! She was

Elsewhere.

accepted the invitation.

In the car.

deep–set eyes were 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 squinted, not saying a word.