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 him, her vision

as he touched her forehead and sighed,

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 that could melt hearts. Vivienne truly believed she was dreaming

to explain, "Vivienne, actually

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

"I missed you."

left

swallowed hard, asking her, "How much did

answer with words but

looked at the empty space beside her, feeling the

ready to leave the room, but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw a

That was...

your head still

outside, realizing that Vivienne was still feeling

"You were asleep when I checked on the kids earlier. I

woke up when

Vivienne blushed.

night was...

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

had been a month, but it felt like an eternity for

had missed

important

moment he, as her husband, should never have

long as Mr.

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

with them. My master is aware of my condition and knows I've been waking up

together, suddenly feeling the urge to

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

down at her, whispering

mind, "Mr. Wolf,

an eyebrow, "I heard Dad calling the kids

squinted, "Are

and Isaiah Ellington. How do

had spent the morning in the nursery with his father-in-law, who had

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

middle names

wanted the children to know their parents loved each other and hoped they would also support and care

but didn't

then. We should head back home for lunch; Grandfather is waiting for news." Percival

needed to reassure everyone

At noon.

the kids in the living room when Percival and Vivienne appeared together, smiles spreading across their