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

he glanced towards

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr.

he could untie the

Isolde stood by the door, listening to the noises below, her lips pale from

been downstairs

lacked the courage and didn't know how to face

outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

not knocking or

calling out casually, yet earnestly,

bit her lip, unsure how to

trembling, "Brother, I don't want

that you don't want to, or are

trembled behind

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

color. Percival's words

misheard. He was referring to the incident where she had poisoned the family's

subject, especially in

to forget, but

mind, haunting her nightly with that voice praising

clinging

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

open the door separating her from

she couldn't help but burst

the one who added

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

Cecilia, startled by the commotion,

"Vivienne?"

"Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what he's

vented until she

approach, extending his hand, "I

up, guiding her into

to pour her a glass of water and place it before

pulled up a chair across from her, waiting for

Isolde felt uneasy, but her outburst had drained

a deep breath, "Brother, do you really not blame