The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Chapter 1149

"Why did you visit Griffin today without me? Is she worried I might bump into her because she's pregnant? But I know I wouldn't bump into her, Mom, how could you just leave us at home!" Juliette complained, counting off on her fingers everyone in the room, finally casting a glance toward Percival, "And do you know Dad has been at home waiting for you so anxiously he's almost in tears?" Vivienne was puzzled.

Mr. Wolf, on the verge of tears? Had she not informed him of her visit beforehand, she might have believed it.

Glancing at Griffin, Vivienne probed Juliette further, "Really? Then tell me, what exactly happened?"

Prepared, Juliette launched into her tale without missing a beat.

"Dad was pretty calm at first, but as time went by, he became more and more anxious. He wanted to call you but was afraid of disturbing you. So, he just waited in agony, and when you didn't return even for dinner, he completely lost it and now he's sulking in the kitchen, declaring it off-limits to us all."

Juliette's mix of truth and fiction made her story seem all the more believable.

Percival could only shake his head at his daughter's antics. What else could he do but dote on her?

Isaiah was amazed at Juliette's bold use of their dad as an excuse to fabricate stories. Seeing their dad not getting mad but instead indulging her, Isaiah thought he might as well give it a try next time.

Griffin couldn't help but be reminded of someone by Juliette's brazen fibbing.

She mused, looking at Vivienne. Indeed, like mother, like daughter - both masters at charming others.

Griffin barely held back her laughter, partly to avoid discomfort from laughing too hard.

Godfrey, descending the stairs, caught Juliette's claim and looked incredulously at Vivienne. Percival, crying? Vivienne, at a loss for words with Juliette, asked for the phone to be handed to her dad to verify the truth.

At Juliette's cue, Percival mimed wiping tears as the phone turned toward him, looking the picture of despair. "See, Mommy? Dad's heartbroken. If you don't come back soon, he might faint from crying."

exaggerated claim almost

hold back any longer and burst into

paused, then smiled brightly upon seeing Griffin appear beside Vivienne through

if your dad is really that worried, he should come over too. We could have dinner together." The atmosphere shifted, and while Percival resignedly accepted, the children were overjoyed at the invitation

car and ran toward Griffin, halting just in time to carefully hug her, mindful of not

noting Juliette's care despite

both Griffin and the baby!" Juliette boasted

his presence, having been informed by Leopold. "Now that we're all here, let's have

Griffin!" Juliette

Griffin's spirits, and she found herself eating

longer at the Martinez residence, checking out their latest inventions before heading

let Vivienne try out a new gadget, but she declined without a

an amateur, and I've decided not to meddle in these matters anymore. Unless

time to take things easier," Godfrey

Godfrey's offer and left the Martinez residence, feeling liberated

Winter arrived swiftly, making

the fleeting spring. Waking up to the sounds of the children's laughter and play in the yard, she realized how much

to peek outside, only to be

It had started snowing.

back, a sweater was suddenly draped over her shoulders. Percival had quietly come

bundle up, it's quite chilly today," he said, already

outside,

then that Vivienne received a text on her phone - Griffin was about to have her baby. She checked the message again with Percival before they both got dressed and headed

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