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

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

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr.

could untie the knot

stood by the door, listening to the noises below, her

been downstairs

lacked the courage and didn't know how to face

footsteps outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

knocking or coming

out casually, yet earnestly, "Let's

her lip, unsure how

"Brother, I don't

slightly, "Is it that you don't

trembled behind the

continued, his words striking her deepest fears, "You know how I am. Issues need to be addressed. Avoidance only makes things worse." "Did

of color. Percival's words frightened

referring to the

the family tiptoed around the subject, especially

had tried to

was etched in her mind, haunting her

shadow clinging to her,

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

breathing hitched, and she flung open the door separating her

burst

was the one who added

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 aware." "Why won't you believe me,

the commotion, were stopped

"Vivienne?"

upstairs, "Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what he's

Isolde vented until she collapsed

approach, extending his hand, "I

helped her up, guiding her into the room to

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

across from

felt uneasy, but her outburst had drained her of energy,

she took a deep breath, "Brother, do