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?"

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

glanced towards Vivienne, "I'll go

Vivienne nodded.

and Mr. Wolf

he could untie the knot that was

listening to

have been downstairs with her

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

footsteps outside grew

Isolde's heart raced.

This wasn't her parents.

"Isolde!"

not knocking or coming

casually, yet

her lip,

I don't want to

that you don't want to,

trembled behind

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

color. Percival's words frightened

to the incident where she had

tiptoed around the subject, especially in front of her,

tried to forget,

etched in her mind, haunting her nightly with

shadow clinging

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

flung open the door

couldn't help but burst into tears, shouting,

one who added something to the

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

startled by the commotion, were stopped by Vivienne

"Vivienne?"

"Mom, Dad, Mr. Wolf

vented until she collapsed on the ground, gasping

extending

up, guiding her into the room to sit on

shock, saw Percival turn to pour her a glass of

pulled up a chair across from

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

a deep