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?"

glanced at her husband, then back with worry, "Isolde's upstairs. She said she didn't

he glanced towards

Vivienne nodded.

and

he could untie the knot that

listening to the noises below, her lips pale from

have been downstairs

know how to face her brother after what had

footsteps outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

stood outside, not knocking or coming too

out casually,

her lip, unsure how

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

you don't

behind

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

of color. Percival's words frightened

was referring to the incident where she had poisoned

subject, especially in front of

to forget,

was etched in her mind, haunting

clinging

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

hitched, and she flung open the door separating her from

help but burst into tears, shouting, "It was

the one who added something to the

don't understand what came over me. I know you all might still suspect me,

commotion, were

"Vivienne?"

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

until she collapsed on

then did he approach, extending his hand, "I believe

her up, guiding her into

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

chair across from her, waiting for

but her outburst had drained her of energy,

deep breath, "Brother, do you