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

expression tightened as he glanced

Vivienne nodded.

she and

untie the

stood by the door, listening to the noises below, her lips pale from

should have been downstairs with

know how to face her brother after what had

outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

not knocking or

calling out casually, yet earnestly, "Let's

lip, unsure how to

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

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

trembled behind the

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

drained of color.

the incident where she had

around the subject, especially in front of

had tried to forget, but

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

shadow clinging

voice broke through again, hammering on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How have I taught you, to act

breathing hitched, and she flung open

burst into tears, shouting, "It was

the 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 won't

the commotion, were stopped by Vivienne from

"Vivienne?"

glanced upstairs, "Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what he's

she collapsed on the ground, gasping

extending his hand, "I believe

her into the room

to pour her a glass of water and place it before

from her, waiting for her

had drained her of energy, leaving her

sipping the water, she took a deep breath, "Brother, do