The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1071

Vivienne was taken aback.

She remembered a time when even her mentor wouldn't part with such a treasure, and now here it was being offered up. What had changed?

Jasper, with a keen eye, called out the old man's motives, "Grandpa, don't think I'm clueless about your little scheme. It broke my heart to see Vivienne up in those hills for years. And now you're trying to charm away my great-grandson? Not even for a mountain of gold!" Finnian scoffed, "You think I view Emerald Mountain as just any place? I choose my students based on talent."

He was set on taking the children under his wing. If not both, then at least one.

Yorick, listening to the banter, chimed in, "They say the nature of a gift reflects the giver's blessings for the child. Since some are being unreliable, I'll ensure the kids have something practical to use."

He instructed someone nearby, "Display the artwork I brought."

Jasper was instantly riled up, "Oh, acting like we don't have real treasures too?"

Finnian's demeanor turned serious.

He was determined to take this disciple under his wing, no one else's.

The competition sparked, and treasures were handed out like they were mere vegetables at a market.

Throughout this, only Richard looked on with a smile, not bothering to intervene, secretly hoping for more generous offerings.

The Perez family guests were chuckling among themselves, seemingly unbothered by the patriarch almost giving away the family fortune.

After all, what was given to the children was essentially given to Vivienne.

And the Perez family hardly needed those treasures.

Same went for the Linklater family; it was as if the treasures were just making a round within the household.

Eventually, Finnian was the last to realize his oversight, his precious collection now emptied, and not a soul had stopped him.

The only ones who could have, were currently mingling outside.

Vivienne and Percival shared a knowing smile, "Mr. Wolf, perhaps we should open an antique store with all these gifts. We'd never have to worry about our future." Percival held her hand, "Sounds like a plan, my dear."

When Leopold was pressed to return by the crowd, he found Finnian with a sullen face among the attendees.

only

rascals run off

needed most, not one was of

side with a few senior brothers, didn't dare make a

then, Griffin approached, first greeting Finnian, then whispering to Leopold, "What are you still doing here? Vivienne's been looking for you." Leopold,

bid Finnian farewell before

present, Leopold, the "godfather," kept a low profile, merely going through

formalities; she made sure he received all due respects, seizing the moment to publicly

ceremony was performed by

destined to be connected with Juliette and Isaiah. His brothers simply couldn't understand. "Vivienne, I

slightly surprised, merely smiled softly, "Your heart is in the right place. They'll be

up in emotion, eagerly nodded, oblivious to the

stage, he took a deep

cold palms, asked in concern,

gripping her hand back, whispered,

introduction of him to all of Rivenwood meant she recognized

for

Linklater residence with the children, while

in

kept them awake until now, but they

sleep, waiting for Percival, she eventually drifted off

by this serene scene, hesitating to approach,

his presence, sitting up to greet him, "Mr.

Vivienne noted the scent on his breath. Percival, silently, drew her close,

the children, whispered, "Mr. Wolf, the

intoxication, confessed, "Vivienne, there will always be time for the children, but now, you're what matters most to me." Before she could respond, she

next day, the

wrap up the entire new collection, a gesture of his

bundled up and

through, Vivienne stood by watching him, not intervening, but her gaze clearly held unspoken words. Percival playfully

piles of

me like

than a month.

till they