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

and he didn't miss her at

session and checked his pulse, frowning

inquiry crossed her

"Mom, how's

down his hand and stated frankly, "His internal injuries are all healed, but when

frowned at

Specter Healer and a renowned

Mr. Wolf couldn't wake up;

it. It's common in such cases. As soon as his consciousness decides, waking up will happen in a moment."

wished to see Mr.

her Vivienne with

his

from becoming too sentimental, Sasha led her to

Maddox and Willa's engagement party. Grandpa has already arranged a private

it, "I'll pick a gift for Uncle Maddox

she didn't need to be so formal, "We're all family here;

"It's not every day Uncle Maddox and Willa

alone and was

did you buy?" Vivienne hid the box behind

at the box again "Well, keep your secrets, but don't give them anything too outlandish. Willa is

en

by her mother's imagination. Willa indeed wouldn't handle

realize, at an engagement party full of elders, what could she possibly

the day of the engagement

and Sasha arrived at the Perez Homestead in a chauffeured

small affair, just family,

on staying home with the kids, claiming

been packed into the car

were greeted by an eagerly waiting Jasper, who only brightened upon seeing his daughter and

asking, "Vivienne, didn't

glances before focusing on Jasper's

hinting something, while Fredrick

the old man, especially since Maddox would never let them

still too young

two men were