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.”

aback, then exclaimed in surprise, “Moving to Rivenwood?! Why the sudden move?

I might come home even less in the future.” Astrid looked at them apologetically “When I’m not here, you must take

barely come home, and now you’re leaving again? What do you take this home for? A hotel?”

at her? It’s not her fault that her job is transferring

age? She’s been dating for years but never got married! Every time we push them to

to Astrid. “I bet you’re planning on

Astrid was a bit embarrassed. “My work is

doesn’t allow its employees to get married? Summon your boss here; I want to ask him why he

Vivienne and Percival kept quiet, frowning

life raising Astrid alone after her divorce, hoped that Astrid could find someone who

point, Cordelia had mentioned to Vivienne in

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

when Astrid announced that she was moving

not the right time for marriage.” Astrid didn’t want to argue with Cordelia on her first

need a straight answer from you today. You and Astrid have been dating for a

get married anytime soon. But don’t worry; once our work stabilizes

who had been quiet for a while, lifted her eyes. Her icy gaze swept over Alfred. There was a barely

she’ll be twenty–six. If

222

“No. I promise, I will marry her.”

his gaze and cast a casual glance at

“Astrid can’t wait for two years, nor can

could finish, Vivienne suddenly interjected. “Cordelia, Astrid

wiped some food crumbs from the comer of her

penetrating gaze. His heart skipped a beat, but he still managed to smile. “Yes”

but didn’t say anything more.