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

at

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

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

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

boldness. He would not have

would Mr. Ellington treat Vivienne poorly? Don't

understanding that Dorian was just being a protective

"Don't worry, Dad. I

and Thaddeus departed, an embarrassed Astrid glanced at Percival, "Sorry about that. Dad can get a bit loose-lipped

Percival replied with a

you thanks. I can't always be here because of work,

little embarrassed, Astrid's eyes

gentle as she replied,

said, wiping away a tear and

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

teased, unable

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

just give

Sensing her mood, Percival gently ruffled her hair, his voice as soothing as a gentle stream. "What are

"I was just thinking...someone is getting impatient again, Mr. Wolf. My enemies seem to be lacking in

close to her ear, "Let's see how long this enemy

placed a hand on his tempting lips, her tone

Percival murmured against her fingers, his voice deep and

is," Vivienne

Percival suggested they walk it off nearby to clear

far when they bumped into Aaron and

here?" Aaron's excitement upon

mood soured as soon as he noticed Percival by