The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Arthur choked on his words, momentarily unsure of where to throw his support.

Percival stepped in to clear the air, "Dad, Vivienne and I will be back by evening."

Vivienne glanced at him, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

Mr. Wolf had awakened and was staying here?

Percival explained, "The house is still a mess, and we haven't got around to getting all the baby stuff. A baby shower after a month isn't too late." Arthur's face lit up, "Right, right, the baby shower! I'll have the invitations sent out immediately. I'll draft them tonight."

His resentment towards Percival dissipated.

He had regrets about his daughter's wedding.

This time, at his grandchildren's baby shower, he was determined to make it right.

The Ellington family.

As Percival and Vivienne entered the living room with the kids, Richard's teacup crashed to the floor.

Despite decades of hardship, his eyes reddened at that moment.

Percival knelt before Richard, his expression somber, "Grandpa, I'm sorry for worrying you."

Vivienne, holding the twins, had a reserved look in her eyes.

Was she overthinking it?

Mr. Wolf seemed different since waking up.

Nathan and Cecilia came down the stairs upon hearing the commotion, tears of joy streaming down their faces at the sight of Percival.

Richard helped him up, sighing, "What's all this? It's good you're awake."

"Your concern should be for Vivienne. She's taken on too much for you."

Percival nodded, looking towards Vivienne with a mix of deep affection and guilt.

But above all, her love for him was undeniable.

Vivienne responded with a smile.

Mr. Wolf was still her Mr. Wolf, unchanged.

Percival looked around and then at Cecilia, "Mom, where's Isolde?"

worry, "Isolde's upstairs. She

he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll go see

Vivienne nodded.

and

the knot

listening to the noises

been downstairs with

didn't know how to face her brother after what

footsteps outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

not knocking

calling out casually,

her lip, unsure

tightened, her voice trembling, "Brother, I

it that you don't want

behind

her deepest fears, "You know how I am. Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance

of color. Percival's words

was referring to the

the family tiptoed around the subject,

had tried to forget, but

her mind, haunting her nightly with that voice

shadow clinging to her,

dreaded nerve, "How have I taught

breathing hitched, and she flung open

help but burst into

one who added something to

I truly don't understand what came over me. I know you all might still suspect

and Cecilia, startled by the commotion, were

"Vivienne?"

glanced upstairs, "Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows

until she

approach, extending his

guiding her into the room to sit on

turn to pour her a glass of water and place it before her, "Drink this, then we'll

pulled up a chair across from

gaze, Isolde felt uneasy, but her outburst had drained her of energy, leaving her

sipping the water, she took a deep breath,