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.

dinner, opting for a hearty barbeque, and Dorian was in high spirits, perhaps indulging a bit

hint at Alfred about taking his relationship with Astrid seriously and not letting her

message was implicitly directed at Percival, though Cordelia did not dare meddle too directly. It was not out of fear but rather

Percival knew, he would have protested, "Me? Never! I'm

to Percival, saying, "You better treat our Vivienne right. If you hurt her, I'll bring her home and

fueled Dorian's boldness. He would

"Dad, why would Mr. Ellington treat Vivienne poorly? Don't

bothered, understanding that Dorian was just

helped Dorian into the car, promising, "Don't worry, Dad. I won't let Vivienne

Percival, "Sorry about that.

fine," Percival replied with

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

embarrassed, Astrid's eyes

smile was gentle as she replied, "We're family.

Astrid said, wiping away a tear and

an arm around her. "You're definitely your mother's daughter, always

Astrid teased, unable to

some more casual conversation, Astrid said, "I'll stay in Rivenwood for a while.

just give

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

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

whispering close to her ear,

hand on his tempting lips, her tone teasing. "I bet it won't last

murmured against her fingers, his voice

is," Vivienne agreed, smiling

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

far when they

doing here?" Aaron's excitement

as he noticed