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?"

"Isolde's upstairs. She said she didn't know how to face

expression tightened as he glanced towards Vivienne,

Vivienne nodded.

she and Mr. Wolf

could untie the knot that was

the door, listening to the noises below, her lips

have been downstairs with

courage and didn't know how to face her

outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

not knocking or coming

out casually, yet

bit her lip,

hands tightened, her voice trembling, "Brother, I

that you don't want

trembled behind the

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

drained of color.

referring to the incident

the subject, especially in

had tried to forget, but

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

a shadow clinging to her,

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

and she flung open the

she couldn't help but burst

was the one who added something to the

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 stopped by Vivienne

"Vivienne?"

"Mom, Dad, Mr.

Isolde vented until she collapsed

extending his hand, "I believe

her into the room to sit

shock, saw Percival turn to pour her a glass of water and place it before her, "Drink this, then

across from her, waiting for her

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

water, she took a deep breath, "Brother, do