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?"

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

tightened as he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll

Vivienne nodded.

she and

he could untie the knot that

the door, listening to the noises below, her lips pale

have been

know how to face her brother after

outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

stood outside, not knocking or coming

casually,

bit her lip,

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

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

behind the

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

drained of color.

misheard. He was referring to the incident where she had poisoned

a month, the family tiptoed around the subject,

had tried to forget, but

scene was etched in her mind, haunting her

shadow clinging to her,

most dreaded nerve, "How have

flung open the

but burst into tears,

one who added something to

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

startled by the commotion, were stopped by

"Vivienne?"

upstairs, "Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows

watched silently as Isolde vented until she collapsed

did he approach, extending his hand,

guiding her into the room to sit

glass of water and place

across from her, waiting for her

gaze, Isolde felt uneasy, but her outburst had drained her of energy, leaving her without

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