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?"

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

he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll go

Vivienne nodded.

she and

he could untie the knot that was

stood by the door, listening to the noises

have been

and didn't know how to face

footsteps outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

knocking or coming too

calling out casually, yet earnestly,

her lip, unsure how to

I don't

slightly, "Is it that you don't want

trembled behind

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

face drained of color. Percival's

to the incident where she had

around the subject,

to

mind, haunting her

clinging to

on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How have I

breathing hitched, and she flung open the door separating

couldn't help but burst into tears,

one who

don't understand what came over me. I know you all might still suspect me, and I'm aware."

Cecilia, startled by the commotion, were

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what he's

watched silently as Isolde vented until she collapsed on the ground,

approach, extending

up, guiding her into the room to sit on a

in shock, saw Percival turn to pour her a glass

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

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

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