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 upstairs. She said she

expression tightened as he glanced towards

Vivienne nodded.

she and

untie the

by the door, listening to the noises below, her lips pale from

should have been downstairs with her

how

outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

knocking or coming

calling out casually, yet

lip, unsure

"Brother, I don't

slightly, "Is it that you

trembled behind the

know how I am. Issues

drained of color.

was referring to the incident

subject, especially in front

had tried to forget, but

day's scene was etched in her mind, haunting her nightly with that voice praising

shadow clinging

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

she flung open the door separating

she couldn't help but burst into tears,

the one who

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 won't

startled by the commotion,

"Vivienne?"

"Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what

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

then did he approach, extending his

guiding her into the room

Percival turn to pour her a glass of water and place it before

up a chair across from her, waiting for her to

her outburst had drained her of energy, leaving her without the

a deep breath, "Brother, do you really