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?"

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

he glanced towards

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr.

untie the

the door, listening to the noises

been downstairs with her

and didn't know how to face her

footsteps outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

knocking

calling out casually, yet earnestly,

lip, unsure how to

I don't want

you don't

behind

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

color.

was referring to the incident where she had poisoned the

a month, the family tiptoed around the subject, especially in front of her, never

had tried to forget,

scene was etched in her mind, haunting

clinging

dreaded nerve, "How have I taught you, to act without owning

breathing hitched, and she flung open the door

she couldn't help but burst into tears, shouting,

one who added something to

confessed, "I've never denied it, but I truly don't understand what came over me. I know you all

by the commotion, were stopped by Vivienne from

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what

vented until she collapsed on the ground,

did he approach, extending his

her into the room to sit on a

Percival turn to pour her a glass

up a chair across from her, waiting for her

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

took a deep breath, "Brother, do you