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."

surge, Vivienne gazed at

evident on his face as he touched her forehead and sighed,

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 way

started to explain, "Vivienne,

placed a finger on his lips, "Mr. Wolf, don't

"I missed you."

left

"How much did

words but with actions,

room, Vivienne looked at the empty space beside

but stopped dead in her tracks

That was...

your head still

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

earlier.

woke up when you came to me last

Vivienne blushed.

last night

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

but it

had missed

important moment in

he, as her husband, should never have

any of that. As long

into his embrace, inhaling his familiar scent, and looked up at him, "Do

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

pressed her lips together, suddenly feeling the

she was the only one who thought seeing Mr. Wolf

looked down at her, whispering

head, a thought crossing her mind, "Mr.

calling the kids by their names.

squinted, "Are

Ellington and

nursery with his father-in-law, who had insisted on those names for a good ten minutes before Vivienne

and sound with the Linklater family, a kindness he would always

names were

and hoped they

but didn't object since Mr. Wolf had chosen

head back home for lunch; Grandfather is waiting

to

At noon.

the sun with the kids in the