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."

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

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

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

explain, "Vivienne, actually

placed a finger on his lips, "Mr. Wolf,

"I missed you."

left Percival

asking her, "How much did you miss

with words but with actions,

the room, Vivienne looked at the empty space beside her, feeling the dream of

leave the room, but stopped dead in

That was...

head

entered from outside, realizing that Vivienne was

placed medicine and water on the bedside table, "You were asleep when I checked on the kids earlier. I was worried they'd be

for a soft kiss, "I woke up when you came to

Vivienne blushed.

night

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

had been a month, but it felt like an

had missed the

important moment in

moment he, as her husband, should never

care about any of that. As long as Mr.

his embrace, inhaling his familiar scent,

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

pressed her lips together, suddenly feeling

the only one who thought seeing Mr.

Percival looked down at her, whispering

head, a thought crossing her mind, "Mr. Wolf, we need

calling the kids by their names. They

"Are

agreement, "Juliette Ellington and Isaiah Ellington. How

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

sound with the Linklater family,

middle names were his

loved each other and hoped they would also support

her eyes but didn't object

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

to

At noon.

kids in the living room when Percival and Vivienne appeared