The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Yorick shot him a glare, "You always have too much to say!"

"Come on, help me soothe the kids."

At the mention of the kids, Arthur instantly caved.

It was a good thing there were two of them; otherwise, he, as their grandad, wouldn't even have a fighting chance against their own dad. Vivienne was already immune to their antics.

Out of sight, out of mind.

At least for now, she could play the role of a hands-off manager.

She turned to Arthur, "Dad, where's Mom?"

Arthur awkwardly held one of the kids in his arms, too nervous to even glance around freely, and just jerked his chin towards the back.

"She's in the north wing, giving that lad one last round of acupuncture, hoping to stimulate his nerves. If all goes well, we should see some reaction in a couple of days." Vivienne checked on the kids to make sure they were truly sleepy before she left.

On her way, Leopold called, "Vivienne, Mr. Watson has heard the news and asked me to pass on a message."

Vivienne hummed as she walked, signaling him to continue.

"He said the Watson family owes you one. Just say the word if you need anything."

"Okay."

After hanging up, Vivienne knew the weight of a favor from the Watson family.

But, there was no need for it now.

She'd save it for when the time came.

Entering the room, Sasha was in the middle of an acupuncture session.

Vivienne quietly took a seat nearby.

Soon, she was sweating from the warmth.

Ever since Mr. Wolf had been brought to the Linklater family's care, the room's temperature was kept slightly higher to maintain his normal body heat. Now that spring was here, just sitting made her feel overheated.

Mr. Wolf

been a month already, and he

checked his pulse, frowning

of inquiry

"Mom, how's

hand and stated frankly, "His internal injuries are all

frowned at

a renowned

that Mr. Wolf couldn't wake up;

right through Vivienne's thoughts and patted her shoulder, "Don't overthink it. It's common in such cases. As soon as his consciousness

to see

hear him call her

his

to distract her from becoming too sentimental, Sasha led her to

is Uncle Maddox and Willa's engagement party. Grandpa has already arranged a private jet to

an eyebrow, nearly forgetting about it, "I'll pick a gift for

to be so formal, "We're all family

every day Uncle Maddox and Willa make it official. I have to buy them something

next day, Vivienne went shopping alone and

her hands, asked, "What did you buy?" Vivienne hid the box behind her,

your secrets, but don't give them anything too outlandish.

en

remained silent, amused by her mother's imagination. Willa indeed

of elders, what

of

and Sasha arrived at the Perez

small affair, just family, to keep things

kids, claiming they couldn't relax not knowing if the

ceremonial items had been packed into the

were greeted by an eagerly waiting Jasper,

help but look past them, asking, "Vivienne, didn't the

Vivienne exchanged glances before focusing on Jasper's sons

Fredrick and Yuri

to upset the old man,

linking arms with Jasper to console him, "Dad, the kids are still too young for the wind. We'll

two men were too