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 effects of the alcohol surge, Vivienne gazed

he touched her

his neck. Her eyes conveyed deep emotions, captivating, "If I don't drink, how could I see you?" Percival smiled, his eyes

explain,

on his

"I missed you."

left Percival

"How

answer with words but with actions, following

filled the room, Vivienne looked at the empty space beside her, feeling the dream of last night was incredibly real. Unfortunately, it was just a

in her tracks when she saw a silhouette by the

That was...

head still

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

earlier. I was worried they'd be disturbed last night." Vivienne looked up, "Mr. Wolf, when did you wake

in for a soft kiss, "I woke

Vivienne blushed.

night was...

be afraid

month, but it felt like

had missed

most important

her husband, should

long as

inhaling his familiar scent,

My master is aware of my condition and knows

her lips together, suddenly feeling the urge

the only one who thought seeing

laughter, Percival looked down at her, whispering

shook her head, a thought crossing her mind, "Mr. Wolf, we

raised an eyebrow, "I heard Dad calling the kids by their names. They

squinted, "Are

agreement, "Juliette Ellington and

told, he had spent the morning in the nursery with his father-in-law, who had insisted on those names for a good

had been safe and sound with the Linklater family, a kindness he

middle names were

their parents loved each other and hoped they would also support

narrowed her eyes but didn't object since

home for lunch;

indeed needed to

At noon.

basking in the sun with the kids