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."

of the alcohol surge, Vivienne gazed at him, her vision

he touched her forehead and sighed, "I told you

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 that could melt hearts.

explain, "Vivienne,

finger on his lips, "Mr.

"I missed you."

left

hard, asking her, "How much did you miss

didn't answer with words but with actions, following

space beside her, feeling

room, but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw a silhouette

That was...

your head still

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

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,

"I woke up when you came to me last

Vivienne blushed.

last night

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

it felt

had missed

the most important moment in

her husband, should never have

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

snuggled into his embrace, inhaling his familiar scent,

with them. My master is aware of my condition and knows

together, suddenly

thought seeing Mr. Wolf last night was a

Percival looked down at her, whispering

mind, "Mr. Wolf, we need to decide

Dad calling the kids by their

squinted, "Are you

agreement, "Juliette Ellington and Isaiah Ellington. How

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

the Linklater family,

middle names

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

eyes but didn't object since Mr. Wolf had

We should head back home for lunch;

to reassure everyone

At noon.

Linklater family, father and son, were basking in the sun with the kids in the living room when Percival and Vivienne appeared