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?"

worry, "Isolde's upstairs. She said she

expression tightened as he glanced

Vivienne nodded.

she and

untie the knot that

the door, listening to the

been

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

outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

not knocking or coming

casually, yet earnestly, "Let's

her lip, unsure how

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

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

behind the

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

face drained of color. Percival's

the incident where she had poisoned the

a month, the family tiptoed around the subject, especially in front

to forget,

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

clinging

dreaded nerve, "How have

breathing hitched, and she flung open the

Percival, she couldn't help but burst into tears, shouting,

one who added

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,

by the commotion, were stopped by Vivienne

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr.

until she collapsed on the ground,

did he approach, extending his

up, guiding her into the room to sit on a

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

a chair across from her, waiting for her to calm

felt uneasy, but her outburst had drained her of energy, leaving

a deep breath,