The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne frowned, her voice cold as she spoke, "Godfather?"

Leopold felt a chill run down his spine, swallowing hard, "Uh, Vivienne, I didn't really say anything just now. Please, don't be mad..." Her tone was calm, "Was this your idea?"

Leopold shook his head, then nodded, "The guys all wanted a shot, but I figured being the first to speak up might give me an edge." Vivienne narrowed her eyes, "Aren't you afraid of what they'll do when they find out?"

Leopold stiffened, a look of defiance on his face, "I'm not scared. I've got Griffin backing me up. If they try anything against me and the kids, I'll have Griffin send them a little surprise. Let's see who dares to mess with us then." Vivienne chuckled, looking down to see two little faces smiling up at her, hands reaching out in joy.

She noticed the smiles appeared the moment they heard Leopold's voice, raising an eyebrow, "Alright, we'll find time to officially make you their godfather." Now, it was Leopold's turn to freeze.

He glanced in the rearview mirror, stuttering, "Vivienne, you're not joking, right?"

Switching her tone, she asked, "Why, you don't want to?"

Leopold shook his head vigorously, "How could I not want to? I'm just worried about Percival waking up and finding out. He might just ship me off to Fariana Isle." Vivienne's lips curved, "What happened to your bomb-dropping resolve?"

Leopold chuckled sheepishly, "Well, that's different. Percival's the kids' real dad. If he's not on board, I wouldn't dare accept the title, not for all the tea in China." She looked down at the two children, beaming with joy.

"Don't worry. If the kids like you, Mr. Wolf won't object."

Leopold perked up at that, "Vivienne, say no more. Kids love me. I'll teach them everything I know, no secrets held back."

Vivienne just smiled.

If the kids turned out as stoic as Mr. Wolf, fine, but if they were anything like her, she hoped Leopold wouldn't come crying to back out of the deal.

But by then, it wouldn't be her decision to make.

It would be up to the kids.

They arrived at the Ellington estate.

stepped out of the car, she was greeted

Nathan, and Cecilia came out, "Vivienne's

in Leopold's

turned to Cecilia with a smile, "Our

repeatedly, ushering Vivienne inside, "Come in quickly, it's windy. You and the babies shouldn't catch a cold." Inside, Richard was practically orbiting the children, his attention darting

he felt to see his great-grandchildren,

be around to see these two grow up, get married, no problem." Everyone laughed, with Richard beaming, "I'll take that

sitting, asked after everyone's health then inquired, "Where's Isolde? How

е

got back yesterday. Isolde was so upset she stayed up all

asleep at dawn.

probably still asleep."

her mood changes,

Cecilia was grateful.

was delicate, and her parents hoped she could move

at Nathan, hesitating

up, "You want to know how Mr. Wolf is,

your medical skills. Since Percival is with you, we believe he'll wake up. We' just want to know

Wolf is indeed about to wake up, but it

looked

It was

promised to thank her properly, understanding

mom is Mr. Wolf's mentor, and in

the people who

Cecilia sighed in relief, recalling the terrifying moments

deserve

a weight lifted from their