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?"

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

he glanced towards

Vivienne nodded.

she and Mr.

the knot

listening to the noises below, her lips pale

should have been

lacked the courage and didn't know how to face her brother after what had

outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

stood outside, not knocking or coming too

casually, yet earnestly, "Let's

lip, unsure how

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

"Is it that you don't

trembled behind the

I am. Issues need to be addressed.

color. Percival's

to the incident

the family tiptoed around the subject, especially in front

tried to

mind, haunting her nightly with that voice praising her, "Well

a shadow clinging to her,

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,

who added something

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

commotion, were stopped by

"Vivienne?"

"Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what he's

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

extending his hand, "I believe

into the room

pour her a glass of water and place it before her,

across from her,

Isolde felt uneasy, but her outburst had drained her of energy, leaving her without the

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