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?"

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

glanced towards

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr. Wolf

untie the knot that was

listening to

should have been downstairs

know how to face her brother after what had

outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

stood outside, not knocking or

calling out casually,

bit her lip, unsure

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

you

trembled behind

am. Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance only makes things worse." "Did

of color. Percival's words frightened

He was referring to the incident where she had poisoned the

the family tiptoed around the subject, especially in front

tried to forget,

haunting her

shadow clinging to her,

dreaded nerve, "How

she flung open the door separating her

help but burst into tears, shouting, "It

was the one who added something to

what came over me. I know you all might still suspect me,

by the commotion, were stopped

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr. Wolf

vented until she collapsed on the ground, gasping

approach, extending his hand,

guiding her into the room

shock, saw Percival turn to pour her a glass of water and place it before her, "Drink this,

chair across from her, waiting for her

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

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