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?"

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

glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll go see

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr.

he could untie the

listening to the noises below, her

been

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

footsteps outside

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

stood outside, not knocking or

calling out casually, yet

her lip, unsure

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

you don't want to, or

trembled behind the

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

of color.

the incident where she had

tiptoed around the subject, especially in

tried to forget, but

mind, haunting her nightly with that voice praising her, "Well

a shadow clinging to

again, hammering on Isolde's most dreaded nerve, "How have I taught you, to act without owning

she flung open the door separating her from

but burst into tears, shouting, "It was

one who

over me. I know you all might still suspect me, and I'm aware." "Why won't

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

"Vivienne?"

"Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf

Isolde vented until she collapsed on the ground, gasping for

extending his hand, "I

her into the

her a glass of water and place

from

but her outburst had drained her of energy, leaving

deep breath, "Brother,