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 said she didn't

glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll go

Vivienne nodded.

she and Mr. Wolf

the knot that

door, listening to the noises below,

have been downstairs with her

didn't know how to face her brother after what

outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

outside, not knocking or coming too

out casually, yet

lip, unsure how

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

that you

behind

fears, "You know how I am. Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance only makes things worse."

face drained of color.

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

tiptoed around the subject, especially in

tried to forget, but

haunting her nightly with

clinging

nerve, "How have I taught you,

flung open the door separating

help but burst into tears,

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

startled by the commotion, were stopped by Vivienne from

"Vivienne?"

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

as Isolde vented until she collapsed on the ground, gasping for

did he approach, extending his hand,

into the room to sit on

turn to pour her a glass

across from

his gaze, Isolde felt uneasy, but her outburst had drained her of energy, leaving her

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