The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Several days later.

"Where exactly are we heading? Feels like we're venturing into some hidden retreat, given how long we've been on the road," Leopold quipped, maneuvering the car along the highway. This was hour five of their journey. The family sat comfortably in the car, their laughter and chatter filling the vehicle every so often, leaving Leopold feeling like he had been roped into another thankless task.

He slumped in his seat, devoid of any enthusiasm. Did anyone remember he was supposed to visit his in-laws with Sophie today?

Percival: "Had no idea, honestly."

"Looking for a quiet place to escape the chaos of the world. I just want to live a good life now," Vivienne glanced at Leopold. "From now on, these matters are in your hands. Handle them well and don't bother me over trivial issues." Leopold couldn't help but smirk. Talk about not mincing words.

"Speaking of which, how's Griffin doing lately? Heard she's expecting?"

"Vivienne, your sources are impressively accurate," Leopold chuckled, a touch of embarrassment coloring his expression.

He hadn't anticipated the pregnancy happening so soon, and seeing Griffin's condition, he couldn't help but empathize with her struggle.

"How's her diet been?"

"She's got a craving for sour things, really loves them. No significant changes early on, though she seems to be sleeping more?"

Leopold carefully recounted Griffin's recent changes, noting nothing too out of the ordinary.

"After we arrive, make sure you go back and take good care of her. It's important to offer support during pregnancy," Vivienne advised, just as Percival took her hand.

Vivienne smiled reassuringly at him.

In the backseat, Juliette and Isaiah were playing with Floyd. After the Field family's decline, Floyd's mother had moved abroad and ceased all contact. Since then, Floyd had been under the care of nannies.

Despite the drastic change in his life, Floyd remained as cheerful as ever, and Vivienne had decided to take him in.

Noticing Leopold's gaze in the rearview mirror, Floyd smiled broadly. "What's up? Something on my face?"

just admiring

a polite remark

off the highway and slowly made their way into a secluded villa

a testament

her excitement. "Mom, this place is straight out of

preference Vivienne and Percival shared, evident in

"Let's go inside."

the estate, they were greeted by a fountain and a vast garden, with gardeners tending

as they stepped into the main hall, where Mr. Black, a

the unexpected weight,

her voice, as the dog looked on curiously, mirroring her head tilt. Vivienne couldn't hide

to Isaiah. "This one's for you, Isaiah. Open it up." Inside Isaiah's box lay an invitation to a prestigious institute, sparking an unmistakable gleam in

is this... is this for real?" Isaiah, hardly ever showing emotion, stood up, his excitement

think?" Vivienne knew her children well, and

felt content. Just being part of this

Vivienne had also

presented to him, Floyd found a collection of classic

warm laugh

servants unloaded the car,

Percival here, feels like you

mind, Vivienne?"

secluded island, but it felt too isolated,

Leopold: "..."

surrounded by forests? And what

fond of traditional schooling," Vivienne explained, glancing at the three children exploring the

didn't think

politics, did

troubling you with, you've got enough on your plate!" Vivienne let it slide, simply advising him

and in less than half a day, they