The Million-Dollar Heart1-100

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Chapter_46
Vivienne moved through the house with a quiet resolve, the day ahead of her still fresh with possibilities. She hadn’t been planning on keeping things from Dorian and Cordelia, but the way they had reacted to her decision the night before had been… disheartening. She was sure of her own choices, but their skepticism had stung more than she wanted to admit.
As she stepped outside into the crisp morning air, the sun casting long shadows across the lawn, she couldn’t help but feel a rush of anticipation. Cloudcrest High School. It wasn’t just the school she had once seen as a place for students; now it was the place where her future could unfold. And though the journey ahead was uncertain, one thing was clear—she was finally taking control of her destiny.
Vivienne made her way to the bus stop, the familiar route offering a strange comfort. The quiet murmurs of the morning world around her did little to calm her growing excitement. She couldn’t wait to see Dawson’s call become a reality. Her heart beat a little faster as she imagined what would come next.
Inside the school, things were just beginning to stir. Teachers were arriving, students bustling through the halls, some laughing, others deep in conversation. Vivienne’s shoes clicked against the polished floors as she made her way toward the principal’s office, her thoughts focused entirely on her upcoming meeting.
As she arrived, the door swung open before she could knock. The principal, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a warm smile, stepped forward, his handshake firm and welcoming.
“Vivienne! It’s so great to finally meet you in person,” he said enthusiastically, guiding her into his office. “I’ve heard a lot about you, and I’m so glad you’re here. We’re excited to have you join us.”
Vivienne gave him a polite smile, though her nerves were evident. She hadn’t expected such a warm reception, and it did ease some of her tension.
“I’m ready to get started. I’ve always wanted to be part of something that could challenge me—and I think this is the perfect place for me,” Vivienne replied, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her.
The principal nodded, gesturing for her to take a seat. “I’ve already gone over everything with the head of the department, and we’re more than happy to have you take on Senior Class Eighteen. You’ll have some challenges, but you’ve got the passion and the drive—we’re sure you’ll do great.”
Vivienne’s heart swelled. The validation she’d craved for so long was finally here. But she knew better than to get too comfortable. There were still obstacles ahead, still people who would doubt her, still those who saw her as an outsider.
But as the principal spoke of the job details and expectations, Vivienne made a quiet vow to herself: she wouldn’t let anyone hold her back. Not now. Not ever.
Meanwhile, back at Tranquil Estates, Dorian had arrived at the office, still buzzing with disbelief over his own unexpected fortune. The million-dollar salary was almost too much to fathom. He couldn’t believe that he, once a small-time project manager, had now secured a role at one of the most prestigious companies in Havenwood.
But despite his joy, a lingering thought nagged at the back of his mind: what about Vivienne? Had he misjudged her? Her decision to go to Cloudcrest High School had seemed so impulsive the night before, yet now, with everything falling into place for him, he couldn’t help but feel a growing respect for her determination.
He couldn’t deny it—Vivienne was changing, and so was the way he saw her.
As Dorian’s first meeting of the day commenced, he sat there, a quiet smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He couldn’t help but wonder what other surprises Vivienne had in store.
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