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

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

table angrily. “You’ve been away for years! You barely come home, and now you’re leaving again? What do you take this home for? A

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

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

to Astrid. “I bet you’re planning on delaying your

is important. I don’t

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 to get

kept quiet,

But Cordelia, who had experienced a tough life raising Astrid alone

to Vivienne in casual

visited their home and never mentioned marrying Astrid.

was moving to Rivenwood, Cordelia’s reaction was

Astrid didn’t want to argue with Cordelia on her first day home, so she patiently tried to

need a straight answer from you today. You and Astrid have been dating for a very long time, so when

with our work and don’t plan to get married anytime soon. But don’t worry; once our work stabilizes

swept over Alfred. There was a barely discernible gleam in her eyes, then she lowered her gaze without a word.

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

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this, Percival also lifted his gaze and cast a

face darkened. “Astrid can’t wait for

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

from the comer of her mouth while looking

gaze. His heart skipped a

lips but