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

and Isaiah, hesitated

pause, she stepped

Downstairs.

breathed a sigh of relief seeing Isolde follow

the family before finally approaching Vivienne

good that you understand. Don't be too hard on yourself."

right; Vivienne

"Babbling!"

two cribs behind Vivienne, her eyes lighting up, "Ah, so these are Juliette and Isaiah, such

still with a child's heart, beamed at the thought of her new status, "Mom,

was

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

family had already prepared gifts for the twins,

young age,

At the dinner table.

"This is a grand celebration for the Ellington family. We'll invite everyone we can. It's going

grandparents on the other

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

paramount. Take care of

who smiled back. She wasn't much concerned with formalities; as long as their parents were happy,

plans over the phone, but they also set the date just three days away at

en

especially those connected to the four major families, were

before the christening, the Linklater family was bustling with

In their room.

tell you, I'm planning to ask Leopold to be the godfather tomorrow." Percival, taken aback,

hint of amusement, confirmed,

nose, "Can I know what's