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.”

at him excitedly and

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,

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

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

grabbed Dorian’s arm. “Dorian, is it true? Is it really true? Thaddeus… got into Imperial

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

get Michael and Joseph’s son into that nursery school but failed despite pulling many strings.

felt like he was dreaming. He never thought that such

truly a lucky charm!” 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

kiss Vivienne. Sensing her intentions, Vivienne thought

In the afternoon.

family’s old mansion.

at the head of the table, with Joseph and Michael

going on with Dorian? Why haven’t we

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

their plan had failed. 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. Thankfully, not many people knew about the incident,

hadn’t left there for ten years and probably

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.”

voice, “What’s the rush? Haven’t I taught you anything? You have to stay calm to

Joseph. “Joseph, your relationship with Dorian is still good. Why don’t you check