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?"

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

he glanced towards Vivienne,

Vivienne nodded.

she and Mr. Wolf

untie the knot that

Isolde stood by the door, listening to the noises

been downstairs

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 earnestly, "Let's

lip, unsure how

"Brother, I don't want to come

tone sharpened slightly, "Is it that you don't want to, or are

trembled behind the

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

drained of color. Percival's words

misheard. He was referring to the incident where she had poisoned

a month, the family tiptoed around the subject,

had tried to forget,

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

shadow clinging

hammering on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How

flung open the door

help but burst into tears,

the one who

the 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."

by the commotion, were

"Vivienne?"

Mr. Wolf knows what he's

until she collapsed on

extending his hand, "I

into the room to sit

glass

across from her, waiting

her outburst had drained

a deep breath, "Brother, do you