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 she didn't know how to face

he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr.

could untie the

to the noises below, her lips pale from

been downstairs

how to face

footsteps outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

stood outside, not knocking

out casually,

lip, unsure how

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

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

trembled behind the

am. Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance only makes things

of color.

He was referring to the incident where she had

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

to

scene was etched in her mind, haunting

a shadow clinging to

Isolde's most dreaded nerve,

hitched, and she flung open the door

help but burst

who

what came over me. I know you all might still suspect me, and I'm aware." "Why

commotion, were stopped by Vivienne from

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr. Wolf knows

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

did he approach, extending his hand,

her up, guiding her into the

turn to pour her a glass of water and place it before her, "Drink this, then we'll

chair across from her, waiting for her

felt uneasy, but her outburst had drained

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