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.”

out that day, when they went to sign up, that Imperial Blossom

from heaven.

with Dorian, they realized they couldn’t afford the high tuition. So they decided to

problem solved, Dorian was still stressing over finding work, complaining all the way home about how

got it, Dorian was having a hard time finding work because of Beatrice’s meddling. She gave a small smile, she didn’t care if Dorian

looking quite down in the dumps lately because of work.

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

Enterprises. I’ll give you

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

temples, looking helplessly at the comments, finally resting her eyes on the last one. The principal from Cloudcrest High School in Havenwood asked, “Would you like to come visit our

School was 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 was

no! Mystic Mistress, you don’t even

she sent Dorian’s resume over. “Find a spot for him.” After a pause, she

make sure your dad is well

then came from

off

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

his wife’s birthday party tonight, and

don’t like

gave a small smile, “Let’s go!

Hawthorn Mansion wouldn’t invite them for no reason.

Elsewhere.

also accepted

In the car.