The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The herbal concoction was brought over, and Vivienne just needed a whiff to identify the ingredients, their primary functions, how effective they were, when they would take effect, and what benefits they held

for her...

But, she didn't want to drink it.

She wasn't a fan of taking medicine, something only her mom and Mr. Wolf were privy to.

Vivienne felt her stomach churn at the thought, pinching the bridge of her nose, "Mr. Wolf, can I skip this one? Look at me, do I look like someone who's under the weather?"

Percival knew her too well, understanding that his words might not sway her decision. He even anticipated that she might dispose of the medicine at the slightest hint of an opportunity. Only mentioning her mother would do the trick.

"Mom made me promise before we got back, insisting that you can't skip this medicine."

Vivienne choked, squinting at Percival with a double meaning, "Mr. Wolf, whose expertise do you trust more, my medical skills or my mom's insistence?"

"I trust myself."

Percival pursed his lips, a rare blush adorning his handsome face, "The other night, I might have gotten a bit carried away. If anything happened to the baby... Vivienne, you know what I mean."

Vivienne, "..."

Mr. Wolf's unexpected move caught her off guard.

Knowing how she couldn't resist his softer side, how could she refuse now?

Seeing Vivienne silent, Percival chuckled and brought the medicine closer, but before handing it to her, he took it upon himself to sip half of it.

Vivienne froze, watching Mr. Wolf down half the bowl without so much as a grimace.

She couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time; Mr. Wolf was really going all out to get her to take her medicine.

"Mr. Wolf, this is meant for pregnant women, not a poison test. What good does it do if you drink it?"

Percival shook his head, indicating he was fine, "I checked with the pharmacist. These are all nourishing ingredients; it won't harm anyone else who drinks it." Vivienne had no doubts that if drinking this medicine could relieve even a fraction of her discomfort, Mr. Wolf wouldn't hesitate for a second.

was there to

Mr. Wolf, she closed her

Percival stared, momentarily stunned.

prepared some sugar and cake on the

big bite of the strawberry cheesecake to chase away the bitter

cream from her lips, his eyes filled with endless affection, "I was thinking about when you were a kid. You never liked taking your medicine back then either. Your dad always had to come up with

flickered in Vivienne's eyes, a hint of mischief, "Mr. Wolf, you didn't start having

love, "If it weren't for you,

raised an eyebrow, pulling him closer, "That won't

quite lucky. Maybe

Vivienne's

says marriage is the graveyard of

Wolf had indeed become much more

next day, looking up, "Tomorrow, I need to stop by Dorian's place. With Leopold around, I should be fine on my own. I'm afraid if you come along, Cordelia might spot

keep the news under wraps, they needed to be extra

with her keen senses and experience, might notice something off

expression serious when he finally spoke, "Let Thomas accompany

Vivienne nodded.

even suggest this was already a significant compromise

the door. Vivienne grabbed her bag, ready

she saw Mr. Wolf holding out a thick coat, insisting on helping her put it on, "It's a few degrees colder than last night.

layered attire and then the moderately chilly

and some fresh fruits. Have some if you get hungry

Vivienne, "..."

this fuss really necessary just because she was

hand, Vivienne looked

nodded, watching her

Brooks family, Vivienne

received from Delilah to Brody for a comprehensive check-up, thinking it was the only new item that had appeared recently.

container, he sneakily glanced at it, "Vivienne, what tasty treats did

"Do you want some?"