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

a 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

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

at her? It’s not her fault that her job is transferring her. You’re understanding about everything else, so why are

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

this, Cordelia turned to Astrid. “I bet you’re planning on delaying your marriage for a few more

is important. I don’t have

get married? Summon your boss here; I want to ask him why he doesn’t allow his employees to get married.

kept quiet, frowning

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

in casual conversation that she didn’t

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

when Astrid announced that she was moving

her first

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

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

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

couple more years? In a couple more years, she’ll be twenty–six.

222

“No. I

Percival also lifted his gaze and cast a casual

“Astrid can’t wait for two

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

out a napkin and wiped some food crumbs from the comer of her mouth while looking up at Alfred.

meeting Vivienne’s penetrating gaze. His heart skipped

her lips but