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?"

glanced at her husband, then back with worry, "Isolde's upstairs. She said she didn't know how to face

expression tightened as he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr. Wolf

the

the door, listening to the

have been

and didn't know how

outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

stood outside, not knocking or coming

calling out casually, yet earnestly, "Let's

lip, unsure how to

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

"Is it that you

trembled behind

"You know how I am. Issues

color. Percival's words frightened

He was referring to the incident where she had poisoned the family's

tiptoed around the subject, especially in front of

tried to forget,

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

a shadow clinging

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

open the door

burst into tears, shouting, "It was

who

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,

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what he's

as Isolde vented until she

he approach, extending his hand, "I believe

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

in shock, saw Percival turn to pour her a glass of water and place it before her, "Drink this,

up a chair across from her, waiting for her to

outburst had drained her of energy, leaving her without

took a deep breath, "Brother, do