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.

are still downstairs. Aren't

off guard by the mention of Juliette and Isaiah, hesitated

she

Downstairs.

seeing Isolde follow

family before finally approaching Vivienne and softly

"It's good that you

right; Vivienne

"Babbling!"

baby drew Isolde's attention to two cribs behind Vivienne, her eyes lighting up, "Ah, so these are Juliette and Isaiah, such adorable babies." Cecilia teased her, smiling, "Juliette and Isaiah will have to call you Auntie Isolde

the thought of her new status, "Mom, get my savings. I want to give Juliette and Isaiah a big

was

suggesting Isolde's sudden maturity,

had already prepared gifts for

her young age,

At the dinner table.

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

nodded, but mentioned a concern, "The grandparents on the other side are also

a call. We parents will sort it out. You two focus on

paramount. Take care of Vivienne and the

formalities; as long as their parents were happy, that

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

en

especially those connected to the

christening, the Linklater family was bustling with preparations, while

In their room.

she suddenly mentioned, "Mr. Wolf, I forgot to tell you, I'm planning to ask Leopold to be the

a hint of

her nose,