The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

When Leopold walked in, the scene before him stopped him dead in his tracks.

There was Percival, shirtless and blushing furiously, sprawled on the couch while Vivienne, with eyes sparkling with mischief, was pointing her smartphone at him like she was about to devour him whole. Leopold was dumbfounded.

He had only been gone for what, ten minutes? And things had escalated this quickly?

The room was buzzing with an energy that was both electric and slightly scandalous.

The unexpected interruption clearly didn't sit well with Vivienne, who shot Leopold a glare sharp enough to cut, "Out!"

Leopold, taken aback and with every wild thought fleeing his mind except for self-preservation, stammered, "Uh, Vivienne, I saw nothing, really. Just came to drop off the car keys...'

With that, he tossed the keys towards the entryway and made a hasty retreat, not even bothering to close the door properly.

Once outside, he took a deep breath.

Trust Vivienne to be involved in something he hadn't even dreamed of.

Poor Percival, though. In Vivienne's clutches, he was practically a goner.

After snapping a few pics, Vivienne put down her phone and picked up a cotton swab to tend to the scrapes on Percival's arms and shoulders.

Once she was done, she let out a sigh and finally voiced her concerns, "Mr. Wolf, it looks like our wedding might need to be postponed."

Percival turned to face her, "Your dad still not on board?"

Vivienne grimaced, "It's not just my dad this time. My four uncles too. They want to throw a big bash. My mom's wedding was a surprise to them, and now, they want to make sure they're fully prepared for ours."

Percival thought for a moment, then pulled her into a hug, "I understand."

Feeling his strong heartbeat, Vivienne nestled closer, "You're so understanding, Mr. Wolf."

Percival stroked her hair, his eyes filled with affection, "My understanding is all for you."

"But leave the wedding plans to me. I'll meet your dad and your uncles' demands, but we're not changing our date."

Vivienne looked up in surprise, "You think you can convince them?"

"There's always a way."

with tougher crowds than your brothers. Your uncles

look forward to it, "Well, you better be

was the comfort of Mr. Wolf's couch, or just being by his side, but Vivienne soon drifted

she saw

table, complete with four dishes, a

sat down, reaching for the cake first, only for Percival to

Wolf, you're getting stingy. This cake's too small for my

eyebrow, "Fine, tomorrow I want a cheesecake twice

laughed and

a deep look, he asked, "Staying over

decided, "Better not. I don't want your house to be one

Percival, "..."

to take their frustrations out

The Linklater household.

soon as Vivienne stepped in, Arthur's booming voice filled

decade. How dare he! I'm going to blow that scoundrel's house sky-high..." Vivienne strode over, ice

"I, uh..."

to fondness in an instant, "Oh, my dear, you're

was saying, it's late; are you hungry?

for damage control, Arthur's face was the picture

throbbed, "No thanks,

safely deflated Arthur's earlier bluster, and he quickly agreed, "Alright, then first thing tomorrow, I'll make you breakfast." Vivienne, heading upstairs, suddenly turned back to Sasha, "Mom, Mr. Wolf's fine. No need

giving Arthur a

not be hasty next time.

blow up anyone's

next few days, Vivienne stayed

in the garden with Sasha and her

of strawberry cheesecake from Percival,

demure as a lady awaiting her wedding

his cooking had won his

from breakfast