The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Abigail had vanished off the face of the earth.

No news outlet, blog, or social media platform held any trace of her whereabouts.

Yet, everyone seemed to have an inkling of her motives.

At that time, Vivienne was in the final stretch of her pregnancy, eight months along with twins. Her figure was slender, but her belly was enormous, drawing attention wherever she went. She was treated like a rare gem, especially by Mr. Wolf, who had been on edge these past few months, fussing over her every move to ensure her safety.

Even their friend, Leopold, couldn't help but tease yet envy Percival's protective nature, "Is this the same Percival? He's so worked up, and the babies aren't even here yet. Imagine him on delivery day; he might just faint in the waiting room." Percival rolled his eyes in response.

"Why don't you try having a baby instead of getting in my way," he retorted.

On the day of their hospital visit for a check-up, Percival double-checked the ultrasound results, "Vivienne, am I hearing this right? We're having a boy and a girl?"

Vivienne couldn't help but laugh at his disbelief, remembering how Mr. Wolf had spent a good half-hour verifying the babies' genders with the doctor.

"Yes, Mr. Wolf, you heard right."

She was just as surprised to be expecting twins.

On their way home, Vivienne got a call from Sasha, asking her to visit the Linklater estate. Yorick had blessed two charm bracelets for the babies, and they were invited for dinner.

Vivienne agreed, directing their driver to turn the car towards the Linklater estate.

As they neared their destination, Percival received an urgent call from Isolde Ellington. Their grandfather had accidentally injured his ankle at home, stubbornly refusing medical attention in front of the staff, not wanting to worry Percival and Vivienne. Overhearing the conversation, Vivienne guessed the situation based on the old man's prideful nature.

Isolde and decided to first drop Vivienne at the Linklaters', insisting

let my parents know, and don't keep Isolde waiting," Vivienne said, understanding his concern for

estate, Percival directed Tom

grandfather, Richard Ellington, who was stubbornly downplaying his injury, dreaming aloud of showing off his great-grandchildren at the seniors' club, proud to have a set

find his grandfather in the midst of these musings, chuckling at

quite

by surprise,

but Percival's focus was on

vela

why medical help hadn't

at home? If the old guard hears about this, where will I put my face?" Percival remained

can't just use these ointments willy-nilly. If you're not careful, you might make things

of ointment from the butler's

the Vanguard Agency, he was well-versed in

silently stepped

puzzled, "Why did you come alone?

explained that Vivienne had gone to

especially this month. It's only natural her parents are

Vivienne and I had the

up, straightening, "And?

Percival's voice was steady, "All