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.

gathered for a lively dinner, opting for a hearty barbeque, and Dorian was in high spirits, perhaps

at Alfred about taking

implicitly directed at Percival, 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 family

Percival knew, he would have protested,

treat our Vivienne right. If you hurt her, I'll bring her home and

He would

steadied her father. "Dad, why would Mr. Ellington treat Vivienne poorly? Don't worry yourself

did not seem bothered, understanding that Dorian was just being a

the car, promising, "Don't worry,

and Thaddeus departed, an embarrassed Astrid glanced at Percival, "Sorry about that.

replied with a

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

embarrassed,

she replied, "We're family.

family," Astrid said, wiping away a

definitely your mother's daughter, always so

so annoying!" Astrid teased, unable to hide her

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

nodded. "Sure, just give me a

parting ways, Vivienne's expression turned contemplative. Sensing her mood, Percival gently ruffled her hair, his voice

and suddenly 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

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

tempting lips, her tone teasing. "I

murmured against her fingers, his voice deep and magnetic. "Give them

round it is," Vivienne agreed, smiling

filling meal, Percival suggested they walk it off

they bumped into

doing here?" Aaron's excitement upon seeing

as soon as he noticed