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

as he glanced towards Vivienne,

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr. Wolf

he could untie the knot that

by the door, listening to the noises below, her lips pale

have been downstairs

know how to face her brother after what had

outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

not knocking or coming

calling out casually, yet earnestly,

bit her lip, unsure

voice trembling, "Brother, I don't want

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

behind

am. Issues need to be addressed.

drained of color. Percival's words

the incident where she had poisoned the

the family tiptoed around the subject, especially in front of her,

tried to forget, but

her mind, haunting her nightly with that

shadow clinging to her,

most dreaded nerve, "How have I taught you,

and she flung open

she couldn't help but burst into tears,

was the one who added something to

I truly don't understand what came over me. I know you all might still suspect me, and I'm aware." "Why won't

and Cecilia, startled by the commotion, were stopped

"Vivienne?"

glanced upstairs, "Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf

she collapsed on the ground, gasping for

approach, extending his hand, "I believe

her into the room to sit on

saw Percival turn to pour her a glass of water and place it before her,

pulled up a chair across from her, waiting for her

outburst had drained her of energy, leaving her without the emotional

sipping the water, she took a deep breath, "Brother, do you