The Million-Dollar Heart

Chapter 16

Day two

Just past eight in the morning, Dorian and his family were having breakfast when his cell phone rang. The caller ID showed a number he didn’t recognize Lately, Dorian had been getting a lot of calls from unknown numbers, so he was used to it. Most of them were from companies responding to his job applications. Usually, it was something like, “Sorry, Mr. Hawthorn, you don’t meet our recruitment criteria.”

Dorian sighed and answered the call.

“Are you Thaddeus‘ father?” The person on the other end of the line asked, in a friendly tone.

1 am Who’s this?” Dorian responded, while passing Vivienne her breakfast.

Tm the assistant principal at Imperial Blossom Nursery. We’d like to invite Thaddeus to join our school. Is that OK with you?”

Dorian froze, fork in hand. After a pause, he asked, his voice shaky. “Who did you say you are?”

Tm the assistant principal at Imperial Blossom Nursery.” The voice on the other end was still friendly.

Dorian’s mouth dropped open, and he jumped up excitedly. “Imperial Blossom Nursery? You mean, you want my Thaddeus to join your school?” Cordelia also jumped up, equally excited.

Vivienne just looked up and continued to enjoy her fried egg. She turned to Thaddeus, who was looking at her, passed him a piece of toast, and moved the blueberry jam in front of him, whispering, “Eat up, you’re too skinny”

at her and said politely, “Thanks, Vivienne.”

him excitedly and switched his phone to speaker mode.

Do you agree to his enrollment?” The assistant principal asked, sounding a tad exasperated. Any other person, and she would not have repeated herself so many times. But this

Dorian was so afraid that she would change her mind that

for someone to deliver the related documents to your home.” After that,

it

Nursery! That was a school that money couldn’t buy! A school that even

nursery school but failed despite pulling many strings. Rumor had it that Joseph’s son was preparing to take the entrance exam for Imperial Blossom

Dorian felt like he was dreaming. He never

charm!” Cordelia was all smiles. “Ever since Vivienne came back, we’ve not only moved into Tranquil Estates, but Thaddeus also got into

hug and kiss Vivienne. Sensing her intentions, Vivienne thought

In the afternoon.

family’s

the head of the table, with Joseph and Michael

Dorian? Why haven’t we heard anything?” Michael asked, frowning.

days. We need to get Dorian to agree soon, or

The three people they had hired had been arrested, and the principal and the teacher had been fired. As the mastermind, she had to get those three out.

had heard that Vivienne hadn’t left

since Dorian refused to share the perfume formula, the company’s performance has plummeted. Now, only our old customers still use our perfume. If we don’t invest in researching a new formula soon, the company won’t survive.”

the rush? Haven’t I taught you anything? You

put down her teacup and turned to Joseph. “Joseph, your relationship with Dorian is still good. Why don’t