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 upstairs. She said she didn't know how

as he glanced towards

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr.

he could untie the knot that

door, listening to

been downstairs with

know how

outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

not knocking or coming

calling out casually, yet earnestly, "Let's

bit her lip, unsure how

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

you don't want

behind

Issues need to be addressed.

face drained of color. Percival's

hadn't misheard. He was referring to the incident where she had poisoned the family's

tiptoed around the subject, especially in front of her, never

had tried to forget,

in her mind, haunting her nightly with that voice

clinging to her,

nerve, "How have I taught you, to act without

hitched, and she flung open the door

she couldn't help but burst into tears, shouting, "It

one who

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 from

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what

vented until she

extending

her up, guiding her into the

a glass of water and place it before her, "Drink this, then we'll

pulled up a chair across from her, waiting for

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

took a deep breath, "Brother, do you really not