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.

couldn’t afford the high tuition. So they decided to send Thaddeus to a regular kindergarten. They went

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

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

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

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

really looking for work? How about joining our company? You can be the CEO.”

Come to Alliance Enterprises. I’ll give

your address, I’ll send you

the last one. The principal from

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

almost instantly, “Oh no! Mystic Mistress, you don’t even

over. “Find a spot for him.” After a pause, she

your dad

long message then came from his

just shut off

Not sure what the person

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

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

gave a small smile, “Let’s go! Let’s see what

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

Elsewhere.

accepted

In the car.

tapping on his phone, and his 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