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."

was the older sibling, Isaiah couldn't help but feel something was off.

siblings had already split up, Juliette brooding by the window and Isaiah engrossed in his tablet, unfazed as usual. "Did you guys fight?" Percival asked, noticing

puzzled.

sulking just like your mom does

not!

astonished. "Mom

her presence at home limited as it

them guessing, focusing on the drive to

school building approach, prayed silently, "Please, just this

Juliette's sudden

prayers were heard, for they encountered no classmates

thought maybe her prayers were answered after all.

she locked eyes

e.

sending a silent signal to

the

to address Isaiah's

Being picked up by

promising they

smile betrayed his excitement, while

he'd momentarily neglected Juliette, Percival gently