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?"

back with worry, "Isolde's upstairs. She said she didn't know

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

Vivienne nodded.

she and

the knot that

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

have been

and didn't know how to face her brother after what

outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

stood outside, not knocking

casually, yet earnestly,

bit her lip, unsure how

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

that you don't want

behind

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

of color. Percival's

the incident where she had poisoned the

tiptoed around the subject, especially in front

had tried to

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

clinging to her,

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

breathing hitched, and she flung open the

burst into

the 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

Cecilia, startled by the commotion, were stopped by Vivienne from

"Vivienne?"

upstairs, "Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf knows what

vented until she collapsed on the ground, gasping for

did he approach, extending his hand,

guiding her into the room to sit on

still in shock, saw Percival turn to pour her a glass of water and place it before her, "Drink this, then

a chair across from her, waiting for her to

had drained her of energy,

took a deep breath, "Brother,