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.”

day, when they went to sign up, that Imperial Blossom Nursery had waived Thaddeus‘ tuition. To them, this was

from heaven.

So they decided to send Thaddeus to a regular kindergarten. They went to Imperial Blossom Nursery to explain, only to be told that Thaddeus‘ tuition was waived. This was cause

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

work because of Beatrice’s meddling. She gave a small smile, she didn’t care

was in his forties and was looking quite down in the dumps

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 going through the messages.

really looking for work? How

Enterprises. I’ll give you the chairman position, cause I want

Tell me your address, I’ll send

comments, finally resting her eyes on the last one. The principal from Cloudcrest High School in Havenwood asked,

Having read the comments, she left the app and opened a chat with a user

“Oh no! Mystic Mistress, you don’t even know where my branches

over. “Find a spot for him.” After a pause, she added, “He’s my

your dad is well taken care

message then came from

just shut off her

Dorian’s phone rang. Not sure what the person on the other end

Vivienne, “Joseph invited us to his wife’s birthday party tonight, and he made a point to say Vivienne

want Vivienne there? They don’t

go!

folks at Hawthorn Mansion wouldn’t invite them for no reason. Perfect! She was curious to

Elsewhere.

accepted the invitation.

In the car.