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.”

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

last–minute decision from the higher–ups. I might come home even less in the future.” Astrid looked at them apologetically “When I’m not here, you must take care of yourselves.”

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

at her? It’s not her fault that her job is transferring her. You’re understanding about

been dating for years but never

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

work is important.

Cordelia 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

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

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

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

he had never visited their home and never mentioned marrying Astrid. This led Cordelia to believe

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

to argue with Cordelia on her first day home, so she patiently tried to diffuse

straight answer from you today. You and Astrid

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

a while, lifted her eyes. Her icy gaze swept over Alfred. There

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

222

wore a smile. “No. I promise,

gaze and cast a casual glance

way!” Cordelia’s face darkened. “Astrid can’t wait for two

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

food crumbs from the comer of her mouth while looking up at Alfred. “Right,

penetrating gaze. His heart skipped a beat, but

lips but didn’t