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.

tuition. So they decided to send Thaddeus to a regular kindergarten. They went to Imperial Blossom Nursery to explain, only to

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

She gave a small smile, she

forties and was looking quite down in the dumps lately

phone, opened her social media, and found 99 new messages on Facebook. She was stunned, then remembered her post asking for job leads, which she hadn’t checked since posting. She started going

for work? How about joining

Alliance Enterprises. I’ll give

money? Tell me your address, I’ll send you

last one. The principal from Cloudcrest High School in Havenwood asked, “Would you like to come visit our

and opened a chat with a user named ‘Dawson‘ whose profile picture

don’t even know where

Dorian’s resume over. “Find a spot for him.”

Mistress, don’t worry. I’ll make sure your

long message then came from

shut off her phone.

what the person on the other end was

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

do they want Vivienne there? They don’t

“Let’s go! Let’s see

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

Elsewhere.

also accepted the invitation.

In the car.

on the world outside the car. His face was stone–cold and expressionless. His fingers were still lazily