The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1128

Percival glanced over his shoulder at Juliette's quiet approach, noticing only the corner of her hoodie peeking out from behind a potted fern. Sauntering over, he stated matter-of-factly, "Let's grab some breakfast and then it's off to school with your brother." His tone was neutral, unreadable as he reached for Juliette's hand to guide her downstairs. Leopold exhaled a heavy sigh of relief. "So, you're on duty today?"

"Looks like it's my turn," Percival confirmed, earning a jubilant cheer from Leopold. "Finally, a day off. I'm counting on you to handle things here. Good luck!"

Leopold hummed a tune, practically sprinting down the stairs.

Juliette rolled her eyes. "Some godfather you are."

Leopold shot back, "Hey, my greatest achievement is keeping my distance from you troublemakers."

Percival ruffled Juliette's hair. "Your godfather's got a day off. He'll be back soon enough. And don't you start picking up his smooth talk."

Juliette pondered over Percival's words. Leopold's antics didn't seem all that bad, did they?

As Leopold stepped out of the Perez family's home, he took a deep breath. "Is this what freedom feels like?"

The weather was perfect for a day out. Mulling over his plans, he dialed Griffin Martinez's number.

After breakfast, Percival escorted the kids to school, holding a hand of each. Juliette seemed unusually tense, making Percival curious. Yet, before he could inquire, Jasper called out to him, interrupting the moment.

It wasn't until Percival was out of earshot that Juliette turned to Isaiah in panic. "What if Dad talks to our teachers and they spill everything? We'd be doomed!"

Isaiah shook his head. "Stay calm. Dad was about to ask you what's up. Don't confess before anything's even happened."

feel something was off. Could

the window and Isaiah engrossed in his tablet, unfazed as usual. "Did you guys fight?"

looked puzzled. "No,

Juliette. "She's sulking just like your mom

"I do not! Don't make stuff

"Mom gets like that

temper, her presence at home limited

guessing, focusing

prayed silently, "Please, just

Juliette's sudden faith

for they encountered no classmates on their way

thought maybe her prayers were answered after all.

she locked

e.

she'd rather avoid, sending a silent signal

the exchange,

to address Isaiah's quith

Being picked up by

school, promising they would be

bashful smile betrayed his excitement, while Percival found

momentarily neglected Juliette, Percival gently tousled