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

was just a polite remark but

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

sprawling estate, was a testament

excitement. "Mom, this place is straight out of a fairy

of European architecture, a preference

"Let's go inside."

the estate, they were greeted by a fountain and a

peaked as they stepped into the main hall, where

react to the unexpected weight, she felt the

Juliette turned to Vivienne, surprise evident in her voice, as the dog looked on curiously, mirroring her head tilt. Vivienne

is for you. Do you like it?" Vivienne produced another box as if by magic and handed it to Isaiah. "This one's for you, Isaiah. Open it up." Inside Isaiah's box

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

What do you think?" Vivienne knew her children well, and these

exchange, felt content. Just being part of this family was more than enough for him, never

Floyd, Vivienne had also prepared

presented to him, Floyd found a collection of classic books, his joy evident. "Thank

shared a warm laugh at

the car, Vivienne guided

you and Percival here,

your mind, Vivienne?" Leopold asked, noticing

secluded island, but it

Leopold: "..."

this not isolated enough, surrounded by forests? And what

never been fond of traditional schooling," Vivienne explained, glancing at the

think I

politics, did

minor issues weren't worth troubling you with, you've got enough on your plate!" Vivienne let it slide, simply advising

staff worked with incredible speed, and in less than half a day, they had arranged everything just the way Vivienne