The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Before Leopold could finish his thought, Vivienne shot him a look that could only be described as seeing an utter fool, prompting him to fall silent.

He coughed awkwardly, "Vivienne, you've got it all wrong. I was just worried about Richard. He's always been the picture of health; his sudden illness might be hiding something, don't you think?" Vivienne didn't argue this time.

Mr. Wolf's voice over the phone didn't carry any urgency, so it likely wasn't anything serious.

The Ellington Estate.

As Vivienne stepped out of the car, she insisted Leopold head back, choosing to enter the mansion alone.

In the grand foyer, Flynn Ellington and Cecilia were dressed to the nines, seemingly having rushed back from an event.

Upon seeing Vivienne, they hurried over, Flynn taking her hands, "Vivienne, you're here."

Vivienne nodded, greeting Flynn and Cecilia, "Dad, Mom, how's Grandpa doing?"

Cecilia was still in a daze, having just finished a gala out of town when they received a call about the patriarch's conflict that nearly led to him fainting on the spot. They had rushed back immediately. Flynn approached, "Percival managed to get him to take his medicine; he should be fine now."

Hearing this, Vivienne replied, "I'll go see him."

Inside Richard's room, Percival was sitting, enduring Richard's constant groans and sighs without a word of truth.

It seemed elders could be as stubborn as children, something Vivienne hadn't expected to witness with her own grandfather. He clearly had something on his mind but refused to speak up. Percival checked the time; he'd been there for an hour since leaving his company, wondering where Vivienne was.

"Mr. Wolf."

Just as he was pondering, Vivienne appeared behind him, prompting a smile from Percival as he stood to greet her, "Vivienne."

Richard's complaints paused at the sound of Vivienne's voice, his ears perking up. After a while, feeling ignored, he let out a loud, "Ouch!"

Vivienne struggled to hold back a laugh at the robust complaint.

She signaled Mr. Wolf to stay quiet, indicating she would handle it.

bed, Vivienne feigned concern, "Grandpa, where does it hurt?

slowly opened his eyes, his voice suddenly weak, "Vivienne, dear, I'm alright. Just the frailty of old age, a small illness feels like it could be the end of me." Percival,

vitality, who

Maybe I can see something others can't and cure

as ever, caught the

pride kept him from voicing his

through him, exchanged a glance with Percival,

to Richard, Vivienne spoke calmly, "Grandpa,

couldn't discuss in front

expression darkened,

his pulse to confirm his health before subtly asking, "Grandpa, who did you argue

they dared to mock the Ellington family for only

a bit

Grandpa, are you in a hurry to see

his head frantically, "Vivienne, dear, I didn't mean... You've just married, take your time,

Vivienne didn't press further.

would you prefer a

trying to confirm he hadn't misheard, "Vivienne, did I just hear something about a

felt his blood

He couldn't have misheard.

to have his wish seemingly

Wolf and I aren't planning to announce just yet. We hope you can keep it a

fervently, "Of course,

assured them there

stopping Vivienne from leaving, "Hold on you can't

visit; at least

I'll have the kitchen prepare something special, especially your

was taken aback by