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?"

"Isolde's upstairs. She said she didn't know how to

expression tightened as he glanced towards Vivienne,

Vivienne nodded.

she and

the

to the noises below, her

been downstairs

know how to face her brother

footsteps outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

outside, not knocking or coming too

casually, yet earnestly, "Let's

lip, unsure

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

it that you don't want to, or are you

behind the

his words striking her deepest fears, "You know how I am. Issues need

of color.

referring to the incident

the subject, especially in front of

tried to forget,

mind, haunting her nightly with that voice

a shadow clinging to

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

hitched, and she flung open the door

she couldn't help but burst into tears, shouting,

one who added something to the

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 me,

by the commotion, were stopped by Vivienne

"Vivienne?"

Dad, Mr. Wolf

as Isolde vented until she collapsed on the ground,

did he approach, extending

up, guiding her into the room to sit

Percival turn to pour her a glass of water and place

from her, waiting

her outburst had drained her

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