The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne nodded wearily.

At this point, she was running on fumes, her mind a blank slate with the sole desire to crash into bed and sleep for an eternity.

Percival wrapped an arm around her and guided her to the car, signaling to Thomas, "Let's hit the road."

Thomas glanced back at the house, noticing Leopold still inside, "Percival, what about Leopold...?"

He had been outside and was clueless about the happenings within.

Snuggled in Mr. Wolf's embrace, Vivienne closed her eyes and murmured, "No need to wait. He's probably over the moon with his lady love, lost in his own world by now."

Thomas was speechless.

Some say ignorance is bliss, and Leopold was living proof, blissfully unaware of his dumb luck.

With Vivienne and Finnian on their side, this plan was bound to succeed without the Sterling family lifting a finger.

Back at their place, Vivienne hurried through a shower, intending to hit the sack, but Percival had other plans. He dragged her to the dining table, "Hold up, eat something first. Your favorite strawberry cheesecake is waiting."

Barely keeping her eyes open, Vivienne's protest died on her lips.

She let Mr. Wolf lead her to the table.

In the end, she was spoon-fed by Mr. Wolf himself, too drained to even lift a spoon.

She slept till the wee hours, waking only to quench her thirst and sift through a work email from Matthew before plunging back into sleep.

The next morning, Vivienne returned from her run, refreshed and energetic.

Upon entering, she heard Mr. Wolf from the kitchen, "Vivienne, you've got a call."

She hummed in acknowledgment, having left her phone at home during her run.

Checking her phone, she called back, "Cordelia, what's up? Is Thaddeus feeling alright?"

Cordelia's voice came through, tinged with embarrassment, "Vivienne, Thaddeus is fine now. I was actually calling to see if you're free lately. I need your help with a medical issue."

"Medical issue?"

paused, "Who's

was someone close

need for her

no refusal, Cordelia felt even more

be desperate to reach out. The local clinic has given up on the kid, and I had

"I'm free anytime, Vivienne. I

responded, "I'm free today,

"Great, no rush. I'll

Vivienne headed

whipping up her favorite dish,

from behind, "Mr. Wolf, have I been neglecting you these past days? You've been handling everything on your own, even cooking daily." Percival continued his task, unbothered by her embrace,

"Didn't I please

sideways, "Was it

retorted, "Mr. Wolf, don't play the victim. We've only been married for three days. Are you planning to make up for the last thirty years all

led her

finding the once domestic Mr. Wolf irresistibly

escape,

a kiss, leaving her dazed,

Vivienne was speechless.

Wolf had picked

she saw Percival in the living room,

him as she dried her hair, "What's

the towel to dry her hair, "I've got

nodded, "It's fine,

hi to Cordelia and Dorian for me. And remind that boy Thaddeus to lay off Isolde." Vivienne laughed, "Mr. Wolf, ever heard of reverse

at

would he

caught on to his thoughts immediately and retorted, "Mr. Wolf, how can you be

full potential yet, but she was certain he wouldn't just turn

her on the nose, "You're so biased, my dear. Thaddeus is your brother, but doesn't Isolde feel like a sister to

"That's exactly why I'm not against them

Percival was left speechless.

always had a way of catching him