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 complicated

it was up to

Yasmine, don't cry.

tears

Vivienne smiled and nodded.

in confusion, asked,

flickered, "Sis stayed up late last night, so I couldn't get up

look and voiced out, "Sis, did brother keep you up late playing

Playing games?

aback, not

only two people can play. When mom can't get up in the morning, dad always takes us away, saying

Yuri

"Vivienne, you're awake."

lifeline, pressing her temples, "Mr. Wolf, you're finally back!" Percival, seeing her state, chuckled, "I

a bunch of freshly picked flowers, still

"Wow, such beautiful flowers."

Yasmine exclaimed in unison, their

and picked out the two

hesitated, looking towards Vivienne on

for her;

for them to accept. The kids thanked her and gathered

"And mine too..."

it was the pollen or the empty stomach, the next moment, Vivienne felt a surge of

of bed

check on her but found the door

door. Let me

muffled voice came through, "Stay out, Mr. Wolf, I'm

kids exchanged looks, their faces tense as they ran

door, Percival was waiting,

he looked concerned, "I'll

taking a deep breath, "Mr. Wolf, it's unnecessary. I'm

seeing Vivienne's reaction in the bathroom, his eyes filled with concern, "Are you still feeling unwell? I've already thrown away the flowers." Vivienne wanted to say it wasn't the flowers' fault, but considering her current

She didn't bother explaining.

around the empty room, "Mr.