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?"

back with worry, "Isolde's upstairs.

glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll go see

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr. Wolf

he could untie the knot that was

door, listening to the noises below,

been

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

outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

stood outside, not knocking or coming too

casually, yet

her lip, unsure how to

voice trembling, "Brother, I don't

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

trembled behind the

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

of color.

referring to the incident where

month, the family tiptoed around the subject,

had tried to

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

a shadow clinging to her,

dreaded nerve, "How have I taught

hitched, and she flung open the door separating

but burst into tears,

the one who added

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

Cecilia, startled by the commotion, were stopped by Vivienne

"Vivienne?"

glanced upstairs, "Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows

vented until she collapsed on the ground, gasping for

he approach, extending his hand,

her up, guiding her into the room to sit on a

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

pulled up a chair across from her, waiting for her to calm

but her outburst had drained her of energy, leaving

took a deep breath,