The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 222

At the dinner table, the family gathered in a warm atmosphere.

Midway through the meal, Astrid lifted her glass of wine and looked at Vivienne and Percival. “Vivienne, Percival, I’m raising a toast to you!”

Vivienne raised an eyebrow as a playful aura emanated from her eyes. “What’s the occasion?”

According to family hierarchy, it should be her and Percival toasting Astrid.

Astrid chuckled I’m usually swamped with work and rarely get to come home. I know that Arabella has always been dismissive of our parents, and I couldn’t help much. But since you came back, you’ve been taking care of them. I can tell they’re much happier now, and that’s all thanks to you. I’m toasting you to thank you for fulfilling the filial duties on my behalf as well.”

Her biological father died when she was ten. Later, Cordelia raised her until she was fifteen, and that was when she met Dorian.

Dorian treated her like his own daughter, never neglecting her, even after he and Cordelia had Thaddeus and adopted Arabella.

She truly regarded Dorian as her father. However, due to her job at the secret service, she rarely came home and found it difficult to take care of them

Vivienne laughed. Her smile was enchanting, sharing her vibrant energy with all those around her. “Alright! I’ll accept your toast. But I don’t drink, so I’ll substitute with juice instead”

“Good” Astrid didn’t fuss. She raised her glass and downed the drink in one go.

After the meal, Astrid put down her cutlery and looked at Dorian earnestly. “Dad, Mom, I’m back this time for two reasons. First, to see you Second, because of a work transfer. I need to move to Rivenwood.”

Donan and Cordelia were taken aback, then exclaimed in surprise, “Moving to Rivenwood?! Why the sudden move? You didn’t mention this before”

“It was a last–minute decision from the higher–ups. I might come home even less in the future.” Astrid looked at them apologetically “When I’m not here, you must take care of yourselves.”

away for years! You barely come home,

her job is transferring her. You’re understanding about everything

dating for years but

planning on delaying your marriage for a few more

Astrid was a bit embarrassed. “My work is important. I don’t have time for marriage.”

angrily. “What kind of job doesn’t allow its employees to get married? Summon your boss here; I want to ask him why he doesn’t allow his employees to get married. What’s

kept quiet, frowning and not voicing

She was not that old. But Cordelia, who had experienced a tough life raising Astrid alone after her divorce, hoped that Astrid could find someone who

point, Cordelia had mentioned to Vivienne in casual conversation that she didn’t really

their home and never

was moving to Rivenwood, Cordelia’s reaction

currently not the right time for marriage.” Astrid didn’t want to argue with Cordelia on her first day home, so she patiently tried to diffuse the

asked Alfred, “Alfred, I need a straight answer from you

busy with our work and don’t plan to get married anytime soon. But don’t worry; once our work

her eyes. Her icy gaze swept over Alfred. There

more years, she’ll be twenty–six. If you don’t marry

222

wore a smile. “No. I promise,

his gaze and cast a casual

“Astrid can’t wait for two years, nor can

suddenly interjected. “Cordelia, Astrid

the comer of her

skipped a beat, but he still managed to smile.

but

before saying, “Fine, do as you wish