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.

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

have protested, “Me? Never! I’m a gentle

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

fueled Dorian’s boldness. He would

Mr. Ellington treat Vivienne poorly? Don’t worry

seem bothered, understanding that Dorian was just being a protective

“Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t let

departed, an embarrassed Astrid glanced at Percival, “Sorry about that. Dad can

replied with

glanced at Vivienne, hesitating for a moment before saying, “Vivienne, I owe you thanks. I can’t always be here because of work, and Thaddeus alerted us to the situation. I’m

little embarrassed, Astrid’s

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

right, we’re family,” Astrid said, wiping away

around her. “You’re definitely

Astrid teased,

more casual conversation, Astrid said, “I’ll stay in Rivenwood

just give me a

mood, Percival gently ruffled her hair, his voice as soothing as a gentle stream. “What are

“I was just thinking…someone is getting

thinking, “Aren’t you just too

his arms around her waist from behind, whispering close to

was radiant, like sunshine. She placed a hand on his tempting lips, her tone teasing. “I

murmured against her fingers, his voice deep and magnetic. “Give

round it is,” Vivienne agreed, smiling

suggested they walk it off nearby to

they

Aaron’s excitement upon seeing her

as he noticed Percival by

not take a

this thought, “It’s you who can’t take a

shopping, you?”

eyes gleaming with admiration. “We’re just shopping too. Percival, got time for