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.

still downstairs. Aren't you going to

and Isaiah, hesitated but couldn't curb her

pause, she stepped out of

Downstairs.

breathed a sigh of relief seeing Isolde follow Percival, relieved

everyone in the family before finally approaching Vivienne and softly

Mr. Wolf, and reassured, "It's good that you understand. Don't

Vivienne

"Babbling!"

up, "Ah, so these are Juliette and Isaiah, such adorable babies." Cecilia teased her, smiling, "Juliette and Isaiah will have to call you

thought of her new status, "Mom, get my savings. I

was no

it off, suggesting Isolde's sudden maturity, she went upstairs to retrieve

had already prepared gifts for the

young

At the dinner table.

pride, "This is a grand celebration for the Ellington family. We'll invite

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

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

paramount. Take care of Vivienne and

as their parents

did they finalize plans over the phone, but they also set the date just three days

en

especially those connected to the four major

night before the christening, the Linklater family was bustling with preparations, while one corner remained serene

In their room.

to tell you, I'm planning to ask Leopold to be the godfather

a hint of amusement, confirmed,

her nose, "Can I know what's