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”

and said

at him excitedly and switched his

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 was Thaddeus! The higher–ups had personally ordered his admission. So, she had to be very patient with

Of course, agreed!” Dorian was so afraid that she would change her mind

go out today. I will arrange for someone to deliver the related documents to your home.” After that, the assistant hung

Dorian’s arm. “Dorian, is it true? Is it really

Imperial Blossom Nursery! That was a school that money couldn’t buy! A school that even connections couldn’t get you into!

son into that nursery school but failed despite pulling many strings. Rumor

dreaming. He never thought that such unbelievable good fortune would

Cordelia was all smiles. “Ever since Vivienne came back, we’ve not only moved into Tranquil Estates, but Thaddeus also got into Imperial Blossom Nursery Vivienne is our family’s lucky star.”

hug and kiss Vivienne. Sensing her intentions, Vivienne thought to herself, “Please don’t! I don’t

In the afternoon.

Hawthorn family’s

sat at the head of the table, with Joseph and Michael on either side of

on with Dorian? Why haven’t we heard anything?” Michael asked,

days. We need to get Dorian to agree soon, or this marriage is off,” Joseph said, looking at Beatrice.

teacher had been

at the Emerald Monastery since she was a child? She had heard that Vivienne hadn’t left there for ten years and probably hadn’t been to school, so

family slip away like this,” Michael said anxiously. “Ever since Dorian refused to share the perfume formula, the company’s performance has plummeted. Now, only

a low voice, “What’s the rush? Haven’t I taught you anything? You

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