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?"

"Isolde's upstairs. She said she

as he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll

Vivienne nodded.

she and

could untie the knot that

listening to the noises below, her lips pale from

have been downstairs with

she lacked the courage and didn't know how to face her brother after

footsteps outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

outside, not knocking or

out casually,

her lip,

trembling, "Brother, I don't want to

tone sharpened slightly, "Is it that you don't want to, or are you

behind

continued, his words striking her deepest fears, "You know how I am. Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance only makes things worse." "Did you do

color. Percival's

to the incident

tiptoed around the subject, especially

had tried to forget,

mind, haunting her nightly

a shadow clinging to

again, hammering on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How have I taught you,

breathing hitched, and she flung open the

help but burst into tears,

one who added

"I've never denied it, but I truly don't understand what came over me. I know you all might still suspect me, and I'm aware."

and Cecilia, startled by the commotion,

"Vivienne?"

Mr. Wolf

vented until she collapsed on the

he approach, extending his

up, guiding her into the room to sit on a

still in shock, saw Percival turn to pour her a glass of water and place it before

from her, waiting for

her outburst had drained her of energy,

a deep breath,