The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Isolde hesitated before finally speaking up, her voice barely above a whisper, "I'm scared of seeing Vivienne."

"Why?"

Percival frowned, deeply familiar with Vivienne's nature. He knew she would never blame Isolde for what had happened.

Isolde met his gaze, the burden she'd been carrying quietly surfacing, "Bro, about being manipulated... I always felt that I indirectly hurt Vivienne too."

"If it weren't for me, Vivienne wouldn't have nearly lost her mind trying to take down that man, ending up in the hospital..."

Percival paused, his brow creasing, "What do you mean Vivienne nearly lost her mind?"

Thinking Percival doubted her, Isolde insisted, "It's true. That man... he nearly killed you right in front of Vivienne. Her eyes... they changed color. She said she'd become a demon if it meant avenging you." "Become a demon?"

Deep shadows flickered in Percival's eyes.

He had never imagined things could have escalated to this point.

Isolde nodded, "Leopold tried to stop Vivienne, but she wouldn't listen..."

Percival's lips pressed into a thin line, a cold glint in his eyes, "It was because of this that Vivienne went into premature labor."

Isolde felt intimidated by Percival's current state but still silently nodded.

That was when she had been rushed to the hospital, and later, Leopold had told her that Vivienne had given birth a month early.

It must have been because of this.

Percival remained silent, his gaze turning icy, a dangerous aura briefly passing through before he regained his composure.

He stood up, looking at Isolde, "I understand. Don't bring this up in front of her again. She's never held you accountable. She's your sister-in-law and cares for you deeply." Isolde bit her lip, realizing perhaps she had been overthinking things.

But the guilt was real and palpable.

mentioned, "Juliette and Isaiah are still

mention of Juliette and Isaiah, hesitated but couldn't curb her curiosity

pause, she

Downstairs.

sigh of relief seeing Isolde follow Percival,

greeted everyone in the family before finally approaching Vivienne and softly called

good that you understand. Don't be too

was right; Vivienne wasn't upset with

"Babbling!"

so these are Juliette and

new status, "Mom, get my savings. I want to give Juliette and Isaiah

was

it off, suggesting Isolde's sudden maturity,

family had already prepared gifts for

her young

At the dinner table.

celebration, and Richard's face beamed with pride, "This is a grand celebration for the Ellington family. We'll invite everyone we

nodded, but mentioned a concern, "The grandparents on the

smiled confidently, "We understand their wishes. Don't worry. I'll give them a call. We parents will sort it out.

well-being is paramount. Take care of Vivienne and the kids. Leave the rest

She wasn't much concerned with formalities; as long as their parents were happy, that was

phone, but they also set the date just three days away at Rivenwood's most luxurious

en

especially those connected to the

before the christening, the Linklater family was

In their room.

the twins, when she suddenly mentioned, "Mr. Wolf, I forgot to tell you, I'm planning to ask Leopold to be the godfather tomorrow." Percival, taken

hint of amusement,

tapped her nose, "Can