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.

glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll go

Vivienne nodded.

she and

untie the knot that was

stood by the door, listening to the noises below, her lips

been downstairs with her

she lacked the courage and didn't know how to face her brother

footsteps outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

stood outside, not knocking or coming too

out casually, yet

bit her lip, unsure how to

I don't want to come

you don't want

trembled behind

her deepest fears, "You know how I am. Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance only

face drained of color. Percival's words frightened

was referring to the incident where she had poisoned the family's

subject, especially in front of

to

scene was etched in her mind, haunting her nightly with that voice praising her, "Well

a shadow clinging to her,

through again, hammering on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How

hitched, and she flung open

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

who added something to

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

Cecilia, startled by the commotion, were

"Vivienne?"

"Mom, Dad, Mr.

she collapsed on the ground, gasping for

did he approach, extending

into the room to sit on a

in shock, saw Percival turn to pour her a glass of water and

from her, waiting for her

outburst had

a deep breath, "Brother, do you really not blame