The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Hearing this, Yorick finally lifted his head slightly, a look of approval flashing in his eyes, "Alright, Percival, with your word, I can rest easy knowing my granddaughter is in good hands."

"As for the dowry the Ellington family has provided, the Linklaters will match it, and then some. The specifics can be discussed between your parents."

"There's just one thing I insist on: my granddaughter's wedding must be grand. And if she suffers the slightest injustice after marriage, the Linklaters will not stand for it. You'd better be prepared for that." Standing up, the years of authority Yorick held were unmistakable in that moment.

Should Percival harbor any ill intentions, he would face the full wrath of the Linklater family.

Percival remained composed, his gaze steadfast, "Grandfather, rest assured, Vivienne is my treasure. I will always put her before myself, no matter what happens, I'll be there to protect her."

Hearing this, Yorick's imposing aura faded, turning to chat and laugh with Richard beside him, "Well, it looks like everything is settled. Let's leave the rest to the younger generation. We can't be meddling in their affairs too much."

Richard, smiling broadly, stood up, joining in, "Why don't we old fellows go and play a game of chess, relax a bit? It's been so long, I'm almost rusty."

"Let's see about that."

With that, the two headed to the backyard.

Leaving Arthur and Sasha, along with a welcoming Nathan and Cecilia, "In-laws, if there's anything else you need adjusted, just say the word. We'll treat Vivienne as our own daughter, she won't suffer any indignities."

Arthur, "..."

Gone was the glare he had just moments ago.

Sasha shook her head with a smile, indicating to Nathan and Cecilia that everything was more than satisfactory.

Then, turning to Percival standing by, "Percival, go find Vivienne. These matters can be settled by us adults."

Percival nodded, casting a glance at his parents.

Cecilia winked at her son, "Go on, spend some time with Vivienne."

Such a perfect bride, she was determined to welcome her into the Ellington family.

No one could deny her the joy of being this mother-in-law.

When Percival found the trio admiring flowers, they had already moved away from the lotus pond.

As they walked through the corridor, they coincidentally bumped into Isolde.

some privacy, "I'll take Isolde for a walk, you two have a

stunned, feeling oddly like they

sight of Mr. Wolf approaching in a sleek suit made her heart skip a beat all

Mr. Wolf always shined so brightly in her

looked up, resting in Percival's embrace, admiring his profile, "How did you manage to convince my four

Percival teased her, "Guess?"

an eyebrow, "Did you

third uncle and Willa were not yet married, in Vivienne's heart, Willa

sure to appeal to their interests, and I made

surprised Mr. Wolf would go to such lengths for

afraid of being hazed by my uncles at family gatherings, getting tricked into drinking too much?" Percival gently rested his chin on

smiled, "I'll

joy in Percival's eyes was nearly

At noon.

feast for the Ellington

settled, joy was evident

proper to attend such an important occasion, both as a rule

with the message that Hailey claimed to

chose not

to calm him, suggesting not

meal, and Sasha didn't want to spoil

with his

"Dad, this is

for both our

and Sasha here

Richard is

don't keep him waiting."

a previous incident, Arthur had lost all familial affection

only out of respect for

Vivienne and Percival joined the families at the dining table, engaging

a seat among

to

table, chiding softly, "No

father and I were apart for over a decade. It's normal to miss