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 to Imperial Blossom Nursery to explain, only to be told that Thaddeus‘ tuition was waived. This was cause for celebration.

problem solved, Dorian was still stressing over finding work, complaining all the way home about how he

small smile, she didn’t care if Dorian had a job or not, she was fully capable of supporting his family.

his forties and was looking quite down in the

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

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

I seeing things? Do you need a job? Come to Alliance Enterprises.

I’ll

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

school. Having read the comments, she left the app and opened a chat with a user named ‘Dawson‘

“Oh no! Mystic Mistress, you don’t even know where

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

don’t worry. I’ll make sure your dad is

long message then came from his side.

shut off her

phone rang. Not sure what the person on the other

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

They don’t like her, why the sudden

“Let’s go! Let’s see what they’re up to.”

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

Elsewhere.

also accepted the invitation.

In the car.

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