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

home about how he wouldn’t be able to support his

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

forties and was looking quite down in the dumps lately because

pulled out her phone, opened her social media, and found 99 new messages on Facebook. She was stunned, then

How about joining our company? You can be the CEO.”

you need a job? Come to Alliance Enterprises. I’ll give you the

me your address, I’ll

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

the app and opened a chat with a user named ‘Dawson‘ whose profile

don’t even know where my branches

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

make sure your dad is well taken care of…”

came

just shut off her

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

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

do they want Vivienne there? They don’t like

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

them for no reason. Perfect! She was

Elsewhere.

also accepted

In the car.

slowly 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 screen, and his eyes squinted, not saying a word.