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.

more was

bowl from Mr. Wolf, she

Percival stared, momentarily stunned.

prepared some sugar

cheesecake to chase away the bitter taste, then

you were a kid. You

eyes, a hint of mischief, "Mr. Wolf, you didn't start having ideas

for you, I might have dedicated my

closer, "That won't do. You can only

intertwining, "So, I guess I'm quite lucky. Maybe

Vivienne's

is

indeed become much

Dorian's place. With Leopold around, I should be fine on my own. I'm afraid if you come along, Cordelia might spot my pregnancy right

the news under wraps,

with her keen senses and experience, might notice something off about Vivienne's

for a moment, his expression serious when he finally spoke, "Let Thomas accompany you. Otherwise, I

Vivienne nodded.

Mr. Wolf to even suggest this was already a significant compromise

Thomas was already waiting at the door. Vivienne grabbed her bag, ready to

holding out a thick coat, insisting on helping her put it on, "It's a few degrees colder

and then the moderately chilly weather

a thermal bag, "Here's some calming soup and some fresh fruits. Have some if

Vivienne, "..."

necessary just because she was

hand, Vivienne looked at

nodded, watching her

to the Brooks family, Vivienne made a detour to

she received from Delilah to Brody for a comprehensive check-up, thinking it was the only new item

glanced at it, "Vivienne,

"Do you want some?"