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?!

might come home even less in the future.” Astrid looked at them apologetically “When I’m not

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

calm her down “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 being

this petty? Look at her age? She’s been dating for years but never

planning on delaying your marriage for

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

they bickered, Vivienne and Percival kept quiet,

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

Vivienne in casual conversation that she didn’t

for several years, but he had never visited their home and

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

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

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

smiled. “We’re currently very busy with our work and don’t plan to get married anytime soon. But don’t

who had been quiet for a while, lifted her eyes. Her icy gaze swept over Alfred. There was a barely

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

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smile. “No. I promise, I will marry her.”

gaze and cast

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

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

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

heart skipped a beat, but he still managed to smile.

her lips but didn’t say anything