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?"

back with worry, "Isolde's upstairs. She said

tightened as he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll go see

Vivienne nodded.

and

untie the knot that

listening to the noises below, her lips pale from

should have been downstairs with her

and didn't know how to face

outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

not knocking or coming too

calling out casually, yet earnestly, "Let's

lip, unsure

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

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

trembled behind

striking her deepest fears, "You know how I am. Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance

face drained of color.

hadn't misheard. He was referring to the incident where

tiptoed around the subject, especially in front

tried to forget,

scene was etched in her mind, haunting her nightly with that voice praising

shadow clinging

dreaded nerve,

she flung open the

couldn't help but burst into tears, shouting, "It was

the one who added something

understand what came over me. I know you

and Cecilia, startled by the commotion, were stopped by

"Vivienne?"

glanced upstairs, "Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what

until she collapsed on the ground, gasping for

he approach, extending his

guiding her into the room to sit

pour her a glass of water and place it before

across from her, waiting

but her outburst had

took a deep breath, "Brother,