The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne chuckled and set little Thaddeus on the ground before greeting Astrid and Alfred with a friendly nod.

No sooner had she sat down than Cordelia began to fuss over her with a mother’s concern.

“Vivienne, dear, has the Brooks family been skimping on the meals? You look like you’ve slimmed down,” she said, her eyes brimming with worry. “I’ll have to fix you up with some extra helpings of meat to get you some proper nutrients.

If it’s too much, you could always come back home. Your father’s business is picking up, and we’ve got plenty of room. No need to stay with the Brooks and put up with any hardships!” Cordelia’s voice cracked as she spoke, her eyes reddening at the thought.

She would never have let Vivienne suffer with the Brooks family if they had not been down on their luck when they arrived in Rivenwood.

With Scott missing, despite the Brooks family keeping a tight lid on the news, whispers had traveled through the business community. Without her biological father at home, the Brooks family likely treated Vivienne like an afterthought.

Cordelia’s heart ached just thinking about it.

Why did such a sweet child have to go through so much hardship?

Astrid quickly handed Cordelia a tissue, comforting her, “Mom, it’s good that Vivienne is here. We should be celebrating being together.”

Cordelia sniffled. “Yes, you’re right. If you could come home more often, we’d have even more time together.”

Astrid playfully stuck out her tongue. “Vivienne, I can’t cheer her up. Your turn.”

Thaddeus piped up from the side. “Mommy’s crying! Does she want cake?”

Alfred ruffled Thaddeus’ hair. “Looks to me like someone else is angling for cake!”

“I am not!” protested Thaddeus, though his expression gave him away.

Their banter lightened the mood considerably.

The family gathered for a lively dinner, opting for a hearty barbeque, and Dorian was in high spirits, perhaps indulging a bit too much in the wine.

Cordelia refrained from her usual matchmaking, but she still managed to hint at Alfred about taking his relationship with Astrid seriously and not letting her down.

Percival, though Cordelia did not dare meddle too directly. It was not out of fear

knew, he would have protested, “Me? Never!

Percival, saying, “You better treat our Vivienne right. If you hurt her, I’ll bring her home and break

He

father. “Dad, why would Mr. Ellington treat Vivienne

not seem bothered, understanding that Dorian was just

“Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t let

glanced at Percival, “Sorry about that.

replied with a light

lip and then glanced at Vivienne, hesitating for a moment before saying, “Vivienne, I owe you thanks. I can’t always be here because of work,

little embarrassed,

smile was gentle as she replied, “We’re family. No

said, wiping away a tear and

arm around her. “You’re definitely your mother’s

teased, unable to hide her

some more casual conversation, Astrid said, “I’ll stay in Rivenwood for a while.

“Sure, just give me a

expression turned contemplative. Sensing her mood, Percival gently ruffled her hair, his voice

up into his deep eyes and suddenly smiled. “I was just thinking…someone is getting impatient again, Mr. Wolf. My enemies seem to be lacking in

speechless, thinking, “Aren’t

her waist from behind, whispering close to her ear, “Let’s see how long

a hand on his tempting

voice deep

one round it is,” Vivienne

they walk it off nearby to

gone far when they bumped

doing here?” Aaron’s excitement

his mood soured as soon as he

not

thought, “It’s you who can’t take a

you?” Vivienne

his eyes gleaming with admiration. “We’re just shopping too.