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.

Dorian was in high spirits, perhaps indulging a bit too much in the

usual matchmaking, but she still managed to hint at Alfred

though Cordelia did not dare meddle too directly. It was not out of fear but rather because Percival had an intimidating presence, almost as if he could wipe out the Brooks

protested, "Me?

a tipsy Dorian clung to Percival, saying, "You better treat our Vivienne right. If you hurt

undoubtedly fueled Dorian's boldness. He would not have been so

father. "Dad, why would Mr. Ellington treat Vivienne poorly?

that Dorian was just being a

Dorian into the car, promising, "Don't

departed, an embarrassed Astrid glanced at Percival,

replied with

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

embarrassed, Astrid's eyes

replied, "We're family. No

said, wiping away a tear

definitely your mother's daughter, always so

Astrid teased,

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

just give me

her hair, his voice as soothing

My enemies seem to be lacking in intelligence.

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

laugh was radiant, like sunshine. She placed a hand on his tempting lips, her tone teasing. "I bet it won't last

not fun," Percival murmured against her fingers, his voice deep and magnetic.

is," Vivienne agreed, smiling

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

had not gone far when they bumped into

here?" Aaron's excitement upon seeing her was

mood soured as soon as he noticed Percival