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.

high tuition. So they decided to send Thaddeus

complaining all the way home about how

got it, Dorian was having a hard time finding work because of Beatrice’s meddling. She gave a small smile, she didn’t

his forties and was looking quite

was stunned, then

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

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

your address, I’ll send

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

comments, she left the app and opened a chat with a

don’t

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

I’ll make sure your dad is well taken care of…”

came from

off her phone.

as she put it away, Dorian’s phone rang. Not sure what the person on the other end was saying, but Dorian replied

to his wife’s birthday party tonight, and he made a point to say Vivienne should come too.”

do they want Vivienne there? They don’t

“Let’s go! Let’s see what they’re up

Hawthorn Mansion wouldn’t invite them for no reason. Perfect! She was curious to

Elsewhere.

also accepted the invitation.

In the car.

fingers were slowly tapping on his phone, and his deep–set eyes were fixed on the world outside the car. His face was stone–cold and