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?"

glanced at her husband, then back with worry, "Isolde's upstairs. She said she didn't

expression tightened as he glanced towards

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr. Wolf

the knot that

listening to the

have been downstairs

and didn't know how to

footsteps outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

outside, not knocking or coming

casually,

bit her lip, unsure

"Brother, I don't want to come out

you don't want to,

behind

know how I am. Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance only

color.

misheard. He was referring to the incident where she had poisoned the family's

around the subject, especially

had tried to forget, but

mind, haunting her nightly with

shadow clinging to

on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How have I taught you, to act without owning

flung open the door

burst

the one who added something to

verge of collapsing, confessed, "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." "Why won't

the commotion, were stopped

"Vivienne?"

glanced upstairs, "Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf

as Isolde vented until she collapsed

extending his

guiding her into the room to

pour her a glass of water and place it before her,

pulled up a chair across from her, waiting for

Isolde felt uneasy, but her outburst had drained her of energy, leaving her without the

she took a deep breath, "Brother, do you really