The Million-Dollar Heart

Chapter 222

At the dinner table, the family gathered in a warm atmosphere.

Midway through the meal, Astrid lifted her glass of wine and looked at Vivienne and Percival. “Vivienne, Percival, I’m raising a toast to you!”

Vivienne raised an eyebrow as a playful aura emanated from her eyes. “What’s the occasion?”

According to family hierarchy, it should be her and Percival toasting Astrid.

Astrid chuckled I’m usually swamped with work and rarely get to come home. I know that Arabella has always been dismissive of our parents, and I couldn’t help much. But since you came back, you’ve been taking care of them. I can tell they’re much happier now, and that’s all thanks to you. I’m toasting you to thank you for fulfilling the filial duties on my behalf as well.”

Her biological father died when she was ten. Later, Cordelia raised her until she was fifteen, and that was when she met Dorian.

Dorian treated her like his own daughter, never neglecting her, even after he and Cordelia had Thaddeus and adopted Arabella.

She truly regarded Dorian as her father. However, due to her job at the secret service, she rarely came home and found it difficult to take care of them

Vivienne laughed. Her smile was enchanting, sharing her vibrant energy with all those around her. “Alright! I’ll accept your toast. But I don’t drink, so I’ll substitute with juice instead”

“Good” Astrid didn’t fuss. She raised her glass and downed the drink in one go.

After the meal, Astrid put down her cutlery and looked at Dorian earnestly. “Dad, Mom, I’m back this time for two reasons. First, to see you Second, because of a work transfer. I need to move to Rivenwood.”

in surprise, “Moving to Rivenwood?! Why the sudden move? You didn’t mention

a last–minute decision from the higher–ups. I might come home even less in the future.” Astrid looked at them apologetically

the table angrily. “You’ve been away for years! You barely come home, and now you’re leaving again?

her job is transferring her. You’re understanding about everything else, so why are

her age? She’s been dating for years but never got married!

saying this, Cordelia turned to Astrid. “I bet you’re planning on

embarrassed. “My work is important. I don’t have time for

cursed angrily. “What kind of job doesn’t allow its employees to get married? Summon your boss here; I want to ask him why he doesn’t allow his employees to get married. What’s his motive?”

and Percival kept quiet, frowning

only twenty–four She was not that old. But Cordelia, who had experienced a tough life raising Astrid

mentioned to Vivienne in casual conversation that she didn’t really

never visited their home and never mentioned marrying Astrid. This led Cordelia to believe that Alfred was

Astrid announced that she was moving to Rivenwood,

to argue with Cordelia on her first day home, so she patiently tried to diffuse the situation. “Mom, stop

to get a resolution. Ignoring Astrid, she directly asked Alfred, “Alfred, I need a straight answer from you today. You and

soon. But don’t worry; once our

Her icy gaze swept over Alfred. There was a barely discernible gleam in her eyes, then she lowered her

a couple more years? In a couple more years, she’ll be twenty–six. If you don’t

222

I promise,

his gaze and

wait for

finish, Vivienne suddenly interjected. “Cordelia, Astrid knows what she’s doing. Alfred will marry her.”

pulled out a napkin and wiped some food crumbs from the comer of her mouth while looking up at Alfred. “Right, Alfred?”

penetrating gaze. His heart skipped a beat,

slightly curled her lips but didn’t say anything