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?"

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

glanced towards

Vivienne nodded.

she and Mr.

could untie the knot that was

door, listening to

have been downstairs with

and didn't know how

footsteps outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

not knocking or coming too

out casually, yet earnestly, "Let's

lip, unsure

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

tone sharpened slightly, "Is it that you

behind

"You know how I am. Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance only

color.

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

tiptoed around the subject, especially in front of her, never

to forget,

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

clinging

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

and she flung open the door separating her

couldn't help but burst into tears, shouting, "It was

one who added something to the

of collapsing, confessed, "I've never denied it, but I truly don't understand what came over me. I know you all might

commotion, were stopped by Vivienne

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr. Wolf

Isolde vented until she collapsed on the

then did he approach, extending

helped her up, guiding her into

pour her a glass of water

from her, waiting

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

took a deep breath, "Brother, do