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.

logic was more

it was up to her to soothe

Yasmine, don't cry. Sis

tears and asked

Vivienne smiled and nodded.

tilting her head in confusion, asked, "Then why did sis

night, so I couldn't get up

Yasmine exchanged a knowing look and voiced out, "Sis, did brother keep you up late playing

Playing games?

aback, not understanding what the

dad always takes us away, saying he lost track of time playing games with mom at night. Isn't it the same with you, sis?" Vivienne was

Yuri know his

"Vivienne, you're awake."

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

a bunch of freshly picked flowers,

"Wow, such beautiful flowers."

in unison,

down and picked out the two most vibrant flowers

Yasmine hesitated, looking towards Vivienne on

her; they couldn't possibly

accept. The kids thanked her and gathered around

"And mine too..."

pollen or the empty stomach, the next moment, Vivienne felt a

out of bed and dashed

alarmed, rushed to check on her but found the

door.

voice came through, "Stay out,

two kids exchanged looks, their faces tense as

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

looked concerned, "I'll call the master

it's

filled with concern, "Are you still feeling unwell? I've already thrown away the flowers." Vivienne wanted to say it wasn't the

She didn't bother explaining.

around the empty