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.”

“Moving to Rivenwood?! Why the sudden move? You didn’t mention this before”

higher–ups. I might come home even less in the future.” Astrid looked

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

“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 are you

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

bet you’re planning on

a bit embarrassed. “My work is important. I

Summon your boss here;

quiet, frowning and not voicing their

tough life raising Astrid alone after her divorce, hoped

point, Cordelia had mentioned to Vivienne in casual conversation that she

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

was moving to Rivenwood, Cordelia’s reaction

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, we’ll

she directly asked Alfred, “Alfred, I need a straight answer from you

anytime soon. But don’t worry; once our

over Alfred. There

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

222

“No. I promise, I will marry

also lifted his gaze and cast

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

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

food crumbs from the comer of her mouth while looking up at

looked up, meeting Vivienne’s penetrating gaze. His heart skipped a beat,

slightly curled her lips but