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.

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, only to be told that

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 the wall.

smile,

in his forties and was looking quite down in the dumps lately

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

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

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

me your address, I’ll send you a

her temples, looking helplessly at the comments, finally resting her eyes on the last one. The principal from Cloudcrest

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

no! Mystic Mistress, you don’t even know where my branches are? I’m heartbroken….

“Find a spot for

your dad is

came from his side.

shut off

rang. Not sure what the person on the other end

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

They don’t

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

for no reason. Perfect! She was

Elsewhere.

accepted the

In the car.

face was stone–cold and expressionless.