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."

Vivienne gazed at

worry evident on his face as he touched her forehead

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 I see you?" Percival smiled, his eyes softening in a

explain,

on his lips,

"I missed you."

words left Percival

her, "How much did you miss

words but

light filled the room, Vivienne looked at the empty space beside her, feeling the

rubbed her temples, getting ready to leave the room, but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw a silhouette by the window. She couldn't be

That was...

your head still

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

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." Vivienne looked up, "Mr.

a soft kiss, "I woke

Vivienne blushed.

night was...

her face, "What's there to be afraid of? We're married, and besides, I like your

month, but it felt like

had missed

most important moment in Vivienne's

her husband, should never

any of that. As long as Mr. Wolf was back,

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

master is aware of my condition

pressed her lips together, suddenly feeling the urge

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

at her, whispering in her ear, "What's

thought crossing her mind, "Mr. Wolf, we need to decide on the

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

squinted, "Are you

and Isaiah

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

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

middle names

know their parents loved each other and hoped they would also support and care for each other in

narrowed her eyes but didn't object

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

needed to reassure everyone at

At noon.

sun with the kids in the living room when Percival and Vivienne appeared together, smiles