The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Leopold couldn't shake the feeling that something major had happened for Vivienne to rush back so suddenly. "No way," Draven said, his face unreadable, giving nothing away.

Leopold furrowed his brows, "If it wasn't about Percival, why the sudden urgency to report to Vivienne?"

"The boss just instructed to refocus our efforts on Rivenwood for now, that's all I can say."

With that, Draven turned and left, leaving Leopold in a daze.

Refocus on Rivenwood? What did that mean? Had they stopped looking for Percival, or...

A sinking feeling took hold of Leopold. Was it possible that Percival was truly gone?

"Dad, what are you mumbling about all by yourself?"

Turning around, Leopold saw two little ones rubbing their eyes and looking at him, a lump forming in his throat as he forced a smile, "Dad was just thinking about letting you sleep in a bit longer."

Juliette showed him her smartwatch with an exasperated look, "Dad, if you keep 'calculating,' we're going to be late for school."

Isaiah glanced at the time and headed towards the dining room, "We've got time for breakfast, let's go."

As Juliette prepared to tug Leopold along, he suddenly remembered, "Oh, Vivienne's back, she's in the living room. You probably didn't know."

"Mom's back?" The kids paused, then dropped Leopold like a hot potato and ran towards the living room.

Watching their synchronized action, Leopold felt another wave of emotions. He took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. Percival, don't worry. I'll make sure Juliette and Isaiah are well taken care of, safe from any harm or injustice. While the kids were having breakfast, Vivienne approached Leopold, gesturing for him to sit down, "Leopold, give me your hand."

he laughed it off, "Vivienne, I'm fine, really. Grandpa just made me drink some herbal concoction, it's

she wasn't

that medicine for a while. I'll prepare something more suitable, and you

was dumbfounded, unsure if Vivienne was teasing him or not, "Vivienne... you mean I'm actually

with a bite of her breakfast sandwich, "Dad, are you

a panic, Leopold quickly clarified, "Of

explained, "The medicine your grandfather got is too strong and some of it clashes. You

from his earlier panic, sighed in relief, "So,

help but notice something else, "Seems like that medicine wasn't entirely

"It's been five years since we got married. I just didn't want Griffin to think less of

grandfather's suggestion, claiming the

hide her amusement, "You're worrying too much.

at a loss

him, "Dad, if mom was going to leave you,

mom, besides her work, there was

was healthy, that

having children isn't always a physical issue. Stress and anxiety can

ever hopeful, inquired about the effectiveness

"Your body should adjust in a couple of months, but as for kids... I can't make any

engulfed in a project for the Martinez family, developing a new

the situation, Leopold felt a bit relieved. There was still

the kids prepared for school, Vivienne's calm demeanor in contrast to Draven's cryptic message