The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne chuckled and set little Thaddeus on the ground before greeting Astrid and Alfred with a friendly nod.

No sooner had she sat down than Cordelia began to fuss over her with a mother's concern.

"Vivienne, dear, has the Brooks family been skimping on the meals? You look like you've slimmed down," she said, her eyes brimming with worry. "I'll have to fix you up with some extra helpings of meat to get you some proper nutrients.

If it's too much, you could always come back home. Your father's business is picking up, and we've got plenty of room. No need to stay with the Brooks and put up with any hardships!" Cordelia's voice cracked as she spoke, her eyes reddening at the thought.

She would never have let Vivienne suffer with the Brooks family if they had not been down on their luck when they arrived in Rivenwood.

With Scott missing, despite the Brooks family keeping a tight lid on the news, whispers had traveled through the business community. Without her biological father at home, the Brooks family likely treated Vivienne like an afterthought.

Cordelia's heart ached just thinking about it.

Why did such a sweet child have to go through so much hardship?

Astrid quickly handed Cordelia a tissue, comforting her, "Mom, it's good that Vivienne is here. We should be celebrating being together."

Cordelia sniffled. "Yes, you're right. If you could come home more often, we'd have even more time together."

Astrid playfully stuck out her tongue. "Vivienne, I can't cheer her up. Your turn."

Thaddeus piped up from the side. "Mommy's crying! Does she want cake?"

Alfred ruffled Thaddeus' hair. "Looks to me like someone else is angling for cake!"

"I am not!" protested Thaddeus, though his expression gave him away.

Their banter lightened the mood considerably.

barbeque, and Dorian was in

still managed to hint at Alfred about

did not dare meddle too directly. It was not out of fear

have protested,

better treat our Vivienne right. If

Dorian's boldness. He

Mr. Ellington treat Vivienne poorly?

not seem bothered, understanding that

helped Dorian into the car, promising, "Don't worry, Dad.

Astrid glanced at Percival, "Sorry about that. Dad can get a bit loose-lipped when he

replied with a

a moment before saying, "Vivienne, I owe you thanks. I can't always be here because of work, and Thaddeus alerted us

little embarrassed,

replied,

right, we're family," Astrid said, wiping

around her. "You're definitely your mother's daughter, always so quick

Astrid teased, unable to hide her

casual conversation, Astrid said, "I'll stay in

"Sure, just give me

turned contemplative. Sensing her mood, Percival gently ruffled her hair, his voice as soothing

smiled. "I was just thinking...someone is getting impatient again, Mr. Wolf. My enemies seem to be lacking in intelligence. What should I do?" Percival was speechless, thinking, "Aren't you just

wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, whispering close to her ear, "Let's see how long

was radiant, like sunshine. She placed a hand on his tempting lips, her tone teasing.

not fun," Percival murmured against her fingers, his voice deep and magnetic. "Give them one round for

one round it is," Vivienne

such a filling meal, Percival suggested they walk it off nearby to clear

when they bumped into Aaron and

are you doing here?" Aaron's excitement upon seeing her was

as soon as he noticed Percival by