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?"

at her husband, then back with worry, "Isolde's

as he glanced towards

Vivienne nodded.

she and Mr. Wolf

could untie the

listening to the noises below, her

been

didn't know how to face her brother after what

footsteps outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

outside, not knocking

calling out casually, yet earnestly, "Let's

lip, unsure

voice trembling, "Brother, I don't want to

you don't want to,

trembled behind

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

of color. Percival's words frightened

to the incident

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

to

haunting her nightly with that voice praising her, "Well

shadow clinging to her,

again, hammering on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How have I taught you, to act

and she flung open the door separating her from

burst into

was the one who added something to

never denied it, but I truly don't understand what came over me. I know you all might still suspect me, and I'm

startled by the commotion, were stopped by Vivienne

"Vivienne?"

Mr. Wolf

Isolde vented until she collapsed

then did he approach, extending his hand,

helped her up, guiding her into the room to

saw Percival turn to pour her a glass of water and

a chair across from her, waiting for

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

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