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.”

up, that

from heaven.

tuition. So they decided to send Thaddeus to a regular kindergarten. They went to Imperial Blossom Nursery to explain, only to be told

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 wall.

She gave a small smile,

and was looking quite down in the dumps lately

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

I seeing this right? You’re really looking for work? How about joining our company? You can be the

Alliance Enterprises.

Tell me your address, I’ll send you a cool 10

looking helplessly at the comments, finally resting her eyes on the last one. The principal from Cloudcrest High School in

where Arabella went to school. Having read the comments, she left the app and opened a chat with a user named ‘Dawson‘ whose profile picture

don’t even know where my branches are? I’m heartbroken….

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

Mistress, don’t worry. I’ll make sure your dad is well

long message then came

shut off her phone.

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

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

don’t like her, why the sudden change

smile, “Let’s go! Let’s see what they’re up

reason. Perfect! She was curious to see what

Elsewhere.

accepted the

In the car.