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 upstairs. She said she didn't

as he glanced towards Vivienne,

Vivienne nodded.

she and Mr.

could untie the

Isolde stood by the door, listening to the

been downstairs with

didn't know how to face her brother after

outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

stood outside, not knocking

out casually, yet earnestly,

bit her lip, unsure how to

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

slightly, "Is it that you don't want

trembled behind

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

drained of color.

He was referring to the incident where she

the subject, especially in front of

to

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

a shadow clinging to

on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How have I taught

breathing hitched, and she flung open the

help but burst into tears, shouting,

who added something to

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 I'm

commotion, were

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what

watched silently as Isolde vented until she collapsed on

approach, extending

helped her up, guiding her into

to pour her a glass of water and place it before her, "Drink this,

pulled up a chair across from her, waiting

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

she took a deep breath, "Brother,