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?"

husband, then back with worry, "Isolde's

as he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll go see

Vivienne nodded.

and

untie the knot that was

Isolde stood by the door, listening to

have been

lacked the courage and didn't know how to face

outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

knocking or coming

calling out casually, yet earnestly,

lip, unsure how

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

slightly, "Is it that you don't want to,

trembled behind the

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

color. Percival's

misheard. He was referring to the incident where

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

to forget, but

her mind, haunting her nightly

a shadow clinging

dreaded nerve,

breathing hitched, and she flung open the door separating her from

couldn't help but burst into

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,

the commotion, were

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what

watched silently as Isolde vented until she collapsed on the ground, gasping

extending his hand,

guiding her into the room

glass

from her, waiting for her to calm

outburst had drained her

the water, she took a deep