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.

Vivienne stepped out of the car, she was

and Cecilia came out, "Vivienne's here. And... the

two baby carriers in Leopold's

to Cecilia with a smile,

a cold." Inside, Richard was practically orbiting the children, his attention darting back

blessed he felt to see his great-grandchildren, claiming he

you're looking younger than my grandfather. You'll be around to see these two grow up, get married, no problem." Everyone laughed, with

after everyone's health then inquired, "Where's

е

clouded with guilt, "We just got back yesterday. Isolde was so upset she stayed up all night

fell asleep at dawn.

probably still asleep."

"If her mood changes, she can call me

Cecilia was grateful.

parents hoped she could move past these

glanced at Nathan, hesitating

up, "You want to

you, we believe he'll wake

is indeed about to wake up, but it wasn't my

looked puzzled,

had just given birth. It was my mother who saved

to thank her properly, understanding the deep ties

Mr. Wolf's mentor,

that the people who harmed

Cecilia sighed in relief, recalling the terrifying moments she

deserve to live,"

agreed, a weight