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

as he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll go

Vivienne nodded.

she and Mr. Wolf

untie the

stood by the door, listening to the noises below, her

should have been

lacked the courage and didn't know how to face her brother after what had

outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

not knocking or coming too

casually, yet

lip,

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

it that you don't want to, or

behind the

fears, "You know how I am. Issues need to be addressed.

of color. Percival's words

misheard. He was referring to the incident where she

tiptoed around the subject, especially in front of her,

tried to forget, but

her mind, haunting her nightly with that voice

shadow clinging

voice broke through again, hammering on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How have I taught you, to act without owning

she flung open the door

Percival, she couldn't help but burst

who added something to

the verge of collapsing, confessed, "I've never denied it, but I truly don't understand what came over me.

commotion, were stopped by Vivienne

"Vivienne?"

glanced upstairs, "Mom, Dad, Mr.

she collapsed on the ground, gasping for

then did he approach, extending his

her up, guiding her into the room to sit on

to pour her a glass of

a chair across from

outburst had drained her of energy,

water, she took a deep breath, "Brother, do you really