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

as he glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll

Vivienne nodded.

she and Mr. Wolf

untie the knot that was

door, listening to the noises

should have been downstairs with her

lacked the courage and didn't know how to face her brother after what had

footsteps outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

stood outside, not knocking or coming too

out casually,

bit her lip, unsure

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

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

trembled behind

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

color.

was referring to the incident where

family tiptoed around the subject,

tried to forget,

day's scene was etched in her mind, haunting

shadow clinging to

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

she flung open the door separating her

couldn't help but burst into

the one who added something to

the verge of collapsing, confessed, "I've never denied it, but I truly don't understand what came over me. I know you all might still suspect me, and

Cecilia, startled by the commotion, were stopped

"Vivienne?"

"Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what

vented until she collapsed on the ground,

did he approach, extending his hand, "I

into the room to sit

Percival turn to pour her a glass of water and

pulled up a chair across from her, waiting for her to

uneasy, but her outburst had drained her of energy,

took a deep breath,