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

glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll

Vivienne nodded.

she and Mr.

could untie the knot that was

the door, listening to the noises below,

been

didn't know how to face her brother after what

footsteps outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

outside, not knocking or coming

calling out casually, yet earnestly,

bit her lip, unsure

voice trembling, "Brother, I don't want to

you don't want to, or are you

behind

know how I am. Issues need to be addressed.

of color. Percival's words frightened

to the

around the subject,

to forget, but

haunting her nightly with that

clinging to her,

on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How have

flung open the door separating her

couldn't help but burst into tears, shouting, "It

one who added something to the

on the 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 you believe me, why

and Cecilia, startled by the commotion, were

"Vivienne?"

"Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf

until she collapsed on the

approach, extending

her into the room to sit on a

pour her a glass of water

from her, waiting for

his gaze, Isolde felt uneasy, but her outburst had

the water, she took a deep breath, "Brother, do you really not blame