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?"

her husband, then back with worry, "Isolde's upstairs. She said she

as he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll go see

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr. Wolf

he could untie the

Isolde stood by the door, listening to

have been

the courage and didn't know how to face

footsteps outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

outside, not knocking or coming too

calling out casually,

lip, unsure how

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

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

behind the

Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance only makes things

face drained of color.

misheard. He was referring to the incident

around the subject, especially

to

scene was etched in her mind, haunting

a shadow clinging to her,

dreaded nerve, "How have I taught you,

flung open the door separating

help but burst into tears,

was the one who added something to the

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

startled by the commotion, were stopped

"Vivienne?"

"Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what

as Isolde vented until she collapsed on the ground, gasping

approach, extending his hand, "I

her up, guiding her into the room to sit

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

up a chair across from her,

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

a deep breath, "Brother, do you really not