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."

alcohol surge, Vivienne gazed at him, her vision slightly

he touched her forehead and sighed, "I told you not to drink

the warmth from Mr. Wolf, Vivienne 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

to explain, "Vivienne,

his lips, "Mr.

"I missed you."

left Percival

her, "How much

words but

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

to leave the room, but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw a silhouette by the window. She

That was...

head still

attire, entered from outside, realizing

and water on the bedside table, "You were asleep when I checked on the kids earlier. I was worried they'd be disturbed last night."

for a soft kiss, "I woke up

Vivienne blushed.

last night

be afraid of? We're married, and besides, I like your

had been a month, but it felt like an eternity

missed

the most important moment in

as her husband, should never have

about any of that. As long as Mr. Wolf

snuggled into his embrace, inhaling his familiar scent, and looked up

aware of my condition and knows I've been waking up

suddenly feeling the urge to

she was the only one who thought seeing Mr. Wolf last night was a

at her, whispering in her ear,

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

"I heard Dad calling the

"Are

and Isaiah Ellington.

father-in-law, who had insisted on

with the Linklater family, a

names

each other and hoped they would also support

but didn't object since Mr. Wolf

We should head back home for lunch; Grandfather is waiting for

needed to reassure everyone at

At noon.

the sun with the kids in the living room when