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?"

worry, "Isolde's upstairs. She said she didn't

as he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr. Wolf

he could untie the knot

listening to the noises below, her lips pale from

been downstairs

courage and didn't know how to

footsteps outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

outside, not knocking or coming too

casually,

her lip, unsure how

I don't want to

"Is it that you don't want

trembled behind

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

drained of color. Percival's words

He was referring to the incident

family tiptoed around the subject,

had tried to

mind, haunting her nightly with that voice praising

clinging to

voice broke through again, hammering on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How have I

breathing hitched, and she flung open the door separating her

burst into tears, shouting,

was the one who added something

don't understand what came over me. I know you all might still suspect me, and I'm

by the commotion, were stopped by Vivienne from

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what he's

vented until she collapsed on the ground, gasping

then did he approach, extending his hand, "I

up, guiding her into the room to sit

to pour her a glass of water and place it before her, "Drink

pulled up a chair across from

uneasy, but her outburst had drained her of energy, leaving her without the

a deep