The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1124

Vivienne raised an eyebrow in surprise at Juliette's comment. She vaguely remembered Leopold being rather skilled in that area. A bad review, really?

Already flipping through a storybook, Vivienne turned to a page and began to read aloud.

"Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young girl..."

"Her mother had passed away just after giving birth to her, and she lived with her father until he remarried."

Vivienne had barely started the story when Juliette, unable to contain her excitement, cut her off and, becoming more animated, climbed out of bed. "The stepmother was cruel to her, dumping all the household chores on her while pretending to be sweet in front of her father, so he had no idea she was being mistreated."

Vivienne frowned at Juliette, who was energetically narrating the story, aligning perfectly with the storybook and adding vivid imagery.

Isaiah, lying in bed, seemed resigned to his sister's antics, staring blankly at the ceiling.

"Mommy, why does the princess lose her shoe while running away? It stayed on all night before that," Juliette puzzled over the part where the glass slipper falls off, unsatisfied with Leopold's previous attempt to explain. Vivienne pondered for a moment. She too had found this plot point illogical as a child, but now, she aimed to please.

"Maybe the shoe got stuck while she was running? The thing she left behind became the prince's only clue to find her, ensuring they ended up together," Vivienne offered, echoing Leopold's explanation.

This time, Juliette nodded in agreement. "You're right, Mommy! That must be it!"

Isaiah, looking horrified as if he'd heard something unspeakable, turned to his sister. "But Mommy said the same thing as Godfather." Vivienne, understanding the situation, realized this must have been what Leopold went through when trying to appease the children.

"So what? Mommy is always right, she wouldn't lie to me!" Juliette shouted, far from ready to sleep.

Isaiah pulled the covers up and turned away, mumbling, "I'm going to sleep, Mommy. I don't need a story. You should rest too."

Vivienne, seeing the dynamic between her children, knew calming Juliette wasn't easy. She kissed Isaiah on the forehead and tucked him in, saying, "Good night."

Juliette quickly pouted, "What about me, Mommy?"

are for children who are ready to sleep. Aren't you still

said, "What if I

Vivienne, amused, agreed.

kiss on her forehead, Juliette smiled

the light and stepping out, only to be enveloped in a warm embrace. Percival's familiar scent surrounded

tried to pull away but

I hold you for a while?" Percival sounded

the kids' room? Aren't you afraid someone might see?" Vivienne's concern was confirmed by approaching

Perez appeared, their amusement clear at the

off each other, huh? Maybe take it to your room," Maddox teased, his

"Don't

is no joke. They should remember to

off, claiming he

Willa couldn't resist advising Vivienne and Percival to be mindful of

she

to Percival, she chided, "I told you.

what? We have kids and still love each other like it's the honeymoon phase," Percival said, guiding her back to

Once inside, Vivienne playfully

Percival against the wall, standing on tiptoes to meet his gaze. Sensing her intent, Percival lifted her into his arms, her legs wrapping around his sturdy waist, her fingers teasingly tracing his well-toned

she remarked, noting

out a soft chuckle, taking Vivienne's earlobe into his mouth. "Feels different than before,

with a sly, captivating smile, had

until the sudden jarring ring

on the nightstand,

smartphone vibrated incessantly its

up the dark

Vivienne, looking somewhat dazed,