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

but she still managed to hint at Alfred about taking his relationship with Astrid seriously

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

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

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

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

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

seem bothered, understanding that Dorian was just being a

promising, "Don't worry, Dad. I

Astrid glanced at Percival, "Sorry about that.

replied with a light

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

embarrassed, Astrid's eyes

as she replied, "We're family. No need

said, wiping away

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

Astrid teased, unable to

"I'll stay in Rivenwood for

"Sure, just give me

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

"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

whispering close to

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

voice deep and magnetic. "Give them

round it is," Vivienne agreed,

they walk it off nearby to

not gone far when they bumped into

you doing here?" Aaron's

as