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?"

at her husband, then back with worry, "Isolde's

expression tightened as he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll go

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr.

he could untie the

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

have been

courage and didn't know how to face her brother

footsteps outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

knocking or coming too

casually, yet

bit her lip,

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

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

trembled behind

know how I am. Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance only

drained of color. Percival's words

to the incident where

tiptoed around the subject, especially in front of

to forget, but

etched in her mind, haunting her

a shadow clinging

hammering on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How have I taught you, to act without

hitched, and she flung open the door separating her

but burst into tears, shouting, "It

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, and I'm aware." "Why won't

Cecilia, startled by the commotion, were stopped by Vivienne from

"Vivienne?"

"Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what

Isolde vented until she collapsed on the

he approach, extending

into the room to sit on a

Percival turn to pour her a glass

across from her, waiting for her to calm

his gaze, Isolde felt uneasy, but her outburst had drained her of

sipping the water, she took a deep breath,