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

less in the future.” Astrid looked at them apologetically “When I’m not here, you must take care of yourselves.”

You barely come home, and now you’re leaving again? What do you take this home

“Why are you mad at her? It’s not her fault that her job is transferring her. You’re understanding about everything else, so why

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

turned to Astrid. “I bet you’re planning

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

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

they bickered, Vivienne and Percival kept quiet, frowning and not voicing their opinions.

that old. But Cordelia, who had experienced a tough life raising Astrid alone after her divorce, hoped that Astrid could find someone who truly

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

dating for several years, but he had never visited their home and never mentioned marrying Astrid. This led Cordelia to believe that Alfred was

announced that she was moving to Rivenwood, Cordelia’s reaction was intense.

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

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

very busy with our work and don’t plan to get married anytime soon. But don’t

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

a couple more years, she’ll be twenty–six. If you don’t marry her, she’ll be an old

222

wore a smile. “No. I promise,

Percival also lifted his gaze and cast a casual glance at Alfred.

Cordelia’s face darkened. “Astrid can’t wait for two years, nor can

Astrid knows what she’s doing. Alfred will marry her.”

crumbs from the comer of her mouth

gaze. His heart skipped a beat, but

but didn’t say anything more.