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.

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 to a regular kindergarten. They went to Imperial Blossom Nursery to explain,

work, complaining all the way home about how he wouldn’t be able

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

looking quite down

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

You’re really looking for work? How about joining our

need a job? Come to Alliance Enterprises.

I’ll send

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

Having read the comments, she left the app and opened a chat with a user named ‘Dawson‘ whose profile

no! Mystic Mistress, you don’t even know

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

sure your

long message then came from his side.

just shut off

rang. Not sure what the person

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

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

smile, “Let’s go! Let’s see what they’re up

at Hawthorn Mansion wouldn’t invite them for no reason. Perfect!

Elsewhere.

accepted the invitation.

In the car.

face was stone–cold and expressionless. His