The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

At the dinner, everyone couldn't help but chuckle and shake their heads. With Willa around, Maddox was definitely under her thumb.

By the time they got back to the Linklater household, night had already fallen.

Sasha made a cup of honey lemon tea and placed it beside Vivienne's bed.

After checking her forehead to ensure she didn't have a fever, Sasha left the room.

Outside, Arthur was visibly uneasy, "Is our daughter really okay? She didn't just drink alcohol, did she?"

Sasha reassured him, "Our girl is all grown up, we can't keep treating her like a child."

Arthur hesitated, wanting to say more but held back since his wife had spoken.

He had no choice but to quell his worries.

Vivienne hadn't fallen asleep yet.

She could hear the voices of the two outside her room.

Strangely, although her head felt a bit woozy, her mind was surprisingly clear.

Clearer than it had ever been.

After the two left, she slowly sat up, drank some water, and went to check on the kids in their room.

She didn't get too close, mindful of the alcohol scent on her.

Seeing the kids holding hands even in their sleep softened something deep within her.

If Mr. Wolf saw this, would he be more moved than she was?

His heart had always been set on Natalia's kids, and now they were right here before him.

With the moon high in the sky, Vivienne sat in the next room for a few minutes before returning to her own.

Just as she was about to sleep, the door suddenly opened, and a shadow quietly entered.

The moment Vivienne sensed the presence, her body reacted faster than her mind, her hand lifting a silver letter opener in defense. But she froze upon recognizing the figure.

Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating the person.

So familiar.

Her body tensed slightly, "Mr. Wolf!"

Percival's eyes were clear and bright, "Vivienne, it's me."

the alcohol surge, Vivienne gazed at him, her

his face as he touched her forehead and sighed, "I told

could only believe this was a dream, her hands naturally wrapping around his neck. Her eyes conveyed deep emotions, captivating, "If I don't drink, how could I see

explain, "Vivienne,

his lips,

"I missed you."

left Percival

her, "How much

answer with words but with actions, following her

the empty space beside her, feeling the dream of last night was incredibly real.

dead in her tracks when she saw a silhouette by the window. She

That was...

your head

dressed in casual black attire, entered from outside, realizing that Vivienne was still feeling the effects

placed medicine and water on the bedside table, "You were asleep when I checked on the kids earlier. I was worried

leaned in for a soft kiss, "I woke up when you

Vivienne blushed.

night was...

her blush, Percival caressed her face, "What's there to be afraid of? We're married, and

month, but it felt like an eternity

missed the

most important moment in Vivienne's

moment he, as her

any of that. As long as Mr. Wolf

into his embrace, inhaling his familiar scent, and looked

them. My master is aware of my condition and knows I've

lips together, suddenly

only one who thought seeing Mr. Wolf last night

her, whispering in her ear,

crossing her mind, "Mr. Wolf,

raised an eyebrow, "I heard Dad calling the kids by

"Are

"Juliette Ellington and Isaiah Ellington.

father-in-law, who had insisted on

safe and sound with the Linklater family, a kindness

middle names

and hoped they

hearing the names, narrowed her eyes but didn't object since

it, then. We should head back home for lunch; Grandfather is waiting for news."

to reassure everyone at

At noon.

father and son, were basking in the sun with the kids