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.”

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

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

care of what?” Cordelia slammed the table angrily. “You’ve been away for years! You barely come home, and now you’re leaving again? What

“Why are you mad at her? It’s not her fault that her job

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

turned to Astrid. “I bet you’re planning on delaying your marriage for a

a bit embarrassed. “My work is important. I

boss here;

quiet,

old. But Cordelia, who had experienced a tough life raising Astrid alone after her

mentioned to Vivienne in casual conversation

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

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

you that my work is important, and it’s currently not the right time for marriage.” Astrid didn’t want to argue with Cordelia on her first day home, so she patiently tried to diffuse the situation. “Mom, stop worrying about me getting married. When it’s time,

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

to get married anytime soon. But don’t worry; once our work stabilizes in a couple of years, I’ll definitely

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

years, she’ll be twenty–six. If you don’t marry her, she’ll

222

smile. “No. I promise, I will

Percival also lifted his gaze and cast a casual

face darkened. “Astrid can’t wait for two years,

Astrid knows what she’s doing. Alfred will

a napkin and wiped some food crumbs from the

His heart skipped a beat,

lips but