The Million-Dollar Heart

Chapter 26

At Tranquil Estates.

When Vivienne got back, Dorian and Cordelia were just stepping through the door. Vivienne gave a shout, then asked, “Mr. Hawthorn, how’s the enrollment coming along?”

Earlier that day, Dorian and Cordelia had taken Thaddeus to sign up at the Imperial Blossom Nursery.

Dorian nodded in response. “It’s going well. Thaddeus really likes the school.” There was a hint of tiredness on his face as he sank onto the couch, looking worn out.

Vivienne sat down next to him, gave him a once–over, then asked, “What’s up?”

“Ah!” Dorian sighed, “It’s nothing, I’m used to it.”

Seeing his reluctance to spill the beans, Vivienne turned to Cordelia. “What’s going on?”

She wasn’t one to stick her nose into other people’s business, but she was quite comfortable with Dorian and his family. If she could help, she would naturally offer a hand.

But Dorian seemed to always shy away from troubling her, keeping things to himself.

“Forget him.” Cordelia rolled her eyes at Dorian, then gave him a pat. “It’s no big deal. Even if you can’t find work, I’ve got some savings. You can look for work in other cities. Beatrice might have her claws in Havenwood, but can she reach everywhere else?”

Cordelia added, “Besides, Thaddeus‘ tuition has been completely waived. What are you worried about? Don’t bring your work troubles home and ruin Vivienne’s mood.”

they went to sign up, that

from heaven.

Blossom Nursery, she was thrilled. But after discussing with Dorian, they realized they couldn’t afford the high tuition. So they decided to send Thaddeus

still stressing over finding work, complaining all the way home about how he wouldn’t be able to support his family. It was driving her up the

meddling. She gave a small smile, she didn’t care if Dorian had a job or not, she was fully capable

his forties and was looking quite down in the dumps

at Dorian, Vivienne pulled out her phone, opened her social media, and found 99 new messages on Facebook. She was stunned, then remembered her post asking for job leads, which she hadn’t checked since posting. She started

looking for work? How about joining our company? You can be the

Enterprises. I’ll

me your address, I’ll send you a cool 10 million to spend!”

last one. The principal from Cloudcrest High School in Havenwood asked, “Would you like to come visit

school. Having read the comments, she left the app and opened a chat with a user named ‘Dawson‘ whose profile picture was black,

Mistress, you don’t even know where

feel like chatting, so she sent Dorian’s resume over. “Find a spot for him.” After a pause, she added, “He’s my

your dad is well taken care

long message then came

just shut off

away, Dorian’s phone rang. Not sure what the person on the other end was saying, but Dorian

us to his wife’s birthday party tonight, and he made a point to say Vivienne should come too.”

they want Vivienne there? They don’t like her, why

go! Let’s see what they’re

Hawthorn Mansion wouldn’t invite them for no reason. Perfect! She was curious to see what they were

Elsewhere.

also accepted

In the car.