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”

her and said

at him excitedly and

we’ve reviewed Thaddeus‘ files, and he meets our admission criteria. 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

Dorian was so afraid that she would change her mind that he answered

today. I will arrange for someone to deliver the related documents to your home.” After

ended, Cordelia excitedly grabbed Dorian’s arm. “Dorian, is it true? Is it really true?

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

many strings. Rumor had it

never thought that such unbelievable good fortune would

a lucky charm!” Cordelia was all smiles. “Ever since Vivienne came back, we’ve not only

almost ran over to hug and kiss Vivienne. Sensing her intentions, Vivienne thought to herself,

In the afternoon.

family’s old

the table, with Joseph

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

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

teacher had been fired. As the mastermind, she had to get those three out. Thankfully, not many people knew about the incident, so it didn’t affect her much. But she

Vivienne hadn’t left there for ten years and probably hadn’t been to school, so who taught her to

the Ellington 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 our old customers still use our

said in a low voice, “What’s the rush? Haven’t I taught you anything? You have to stay

down her teacup and turned to Joseph. “Joseph, your relationship with Dorian is still