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.

they realized they couldn’t afford the high tuition. So they decided to send Thaddeus to a regular kindergarten. They went to Imperial Blossom Nursery to explain, only

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 her up

meddling. She gave a small smile, she didn’t care if Dorian had a job or not, she was fully

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

messages on Facebook. She was stunned, then remembered her post asking for job leads, which she hadn’t checked since posting. She started going

this right? You’re really looking for work? How

Am I seeing things? Do you need a job? Come to Alliance Enterprises. I’ll give

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

her eyes on the last one. The principal from Cloudcrest High School in Havenwood asked, “Would you

and opened a chat with a

don’t even know where my branches are?

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

your dad

message then came from his

just shut off her

it away, Dorian’s phone rang. Not sure what the person on the other end was

Vivienne, “Joseph invited us to his wife’s

there? They don’t like her, why the sudden change of

go! Let’s see what they’re

for no reason. Perfect! She was curious to see what

Elsewhere.

also accepted the invitation.

In the car.

fixed on the world outside the car. His face was stone–cold and expressionless. His fingers