The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival froze for a moment, "What's gotten into the master?"

Vivienne picked up a spoon and tasted it - soft, mushy, and sweet, Mr. Wolf's craftsmanship.

She pursed her lips, "The master doesn't like eating lotus seeds, no matter how they're prepared."

Percival paused, then offered a wry smile, "My oversight."

Vivienne looked up at him, understanding in her eyes. This wasn't Mr. Wolf's fault. "Grandpa still holding a grudge?"

Percival nodded reluctantly, "Seems like it's finally settled now."

Vivienne chuckled and went back to her bowl of sweet porridge.

That night, they stayed with the Perez family.

The next morning, Vivienne was just waking up when she heard rustling noises close by.

She thought it was Mr. Wolf making the sound.

Just as she was about to open her eyes, Zara's finger poked her face, followed by a deliberately softened voice, "Why are you still sleeping, sis? It's already bright outside." Vivienne was speechless.

Was it Natalia and Yasmine?

"Yasmine, don't touch!"

Natalia Perez whispered a warning, "Brother said sis needs more sleep to get better. What if waking her up now makes her health worse?"

Natalia looked sad but retracted her finger, biting her lip, "But Natalia wants to play with sis. It's been so long since you last visited."

"That's still no excuse. Sis's health is most important. Do you want to see her get sick?"

Whether it was her sister's scolding or genuine sadness, Yasmine Perez's lips quivered, and tears started to fall.

Vivienne couldn't bear it any longer and turned to face them, pretending she had just woken up, "Natalia and Yasmine, sis is up."

Seeing that Vivienne was indeed awakened by her, Yasmine couldn't hold back and burst into tears, "Sis, Yasmine didn't mean to. Yasmine doesn't want you to get sick. Being sick is awful." Natalia, caught in the emotional tide, also started crying.

"Sis, don't be mad at Yasmine. It wasn't on purpose."

Vivienne was dumbfounded.

more complicated than her

had inadvertently scared them, it

and Yasmine, don't cry.

kids wiped their tears and

Vivienne smiled and nodded.

in confusion, asked, "Then why did sis sleep

night, so I couldn't get up in the

knowing look and voiced out, "Sis, did brother

Playing games?

not understanding what

clarified, "You know, the games only two people can play. When mom can't get up in the morning, dad always takes us away, saying he lost track

Uncle Yuri know his

"Vivienne, you're awake."

bringing with him the crisp morning air. Vivienne felt as though she had seen a lifeline, pressing her temples, "Mr. Wolf, you're finally back!" Percival, seeing her state, chuckled, "I got caught up with grandpa playing chess, sorry for

revealing a bunch of freshly picked flowers,

"Wow, such beautiful flowers."

in unison,

out the two most vibrant flowers to give

Yasmine hesitated, looking towards Vivienne

for her; they couldn't possibly

accept. The kids thanked her and gathered around Vivienne again. "Sis, smell these

"And mine too..."

empty stomach, the

out of bed and

rushed to check on her but found the door locked from

the door. Let me

voice came through, "Stay out,

their faces tense as

managed to open the door, Percival was waiting, immediately scooping

in, he looked concerned,

deep breath, "Mr. Wolf, it's unnecessary. I'm just having a bit of

filled with concern, "Are you still feeling unwell? I've already thrown away the flowers." Vivienne wanted

She didn't bother explaining.

a while, she looked around the empty room, "Mr. Wolf, where