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 slightly

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

conveyed deep emotions, captivating, "If I don't drink, how could I see you?"

to explain, "Vivienne,

a finger on his lips, "Mr. Wolf,

"I missed you."

left

swallowed hard, asking her, "How much did you

but with

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

stopped dead in her tracks

That was...

head

attire, entered from outside, realizing that

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.

kiss, "I woke up when

Vivienne blushed.

night was...

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

but it felt like an eternity for

had missed the kids'

the most important

moment he, as her husband, should never have

long as Mr. Wolf was back,

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

nodded, "I've met with them. My master is aware of my condition and knows

lips together, suddenly feeling the urge

she was the only one who thought seeing

laughter, Percival looked down at her, whispering

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

raised an eyebrow, "I heard Dad calling the kids by their names. They

squinted, "Are you

hummed in agreement, "Juliette Ellington and

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

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

middle names were his

to know their parents loved each other and hoped they

the names, narrowed her eyes but didn't object since Mr.

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

needed to reassure everyone at

At noon.

son, were basking in the sun with the kids in the living room when Percival and Vivienne appeared together, smiles spreading across their