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.

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

managed to hint at Alfred about taking his relationship with Astrid seriously and not

of fear but rather because Percival had an intimidating presence, almost as if he could wipe out the Brooks family with a

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

the meal, a tipsy Dorian clung to Percival, saying, "You better treat our Vivienne right. If you hurt her, I'll bring her home and break your

boldness. He

"Dad, why would Mr. Ellington

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

into the car, promising, "Don't worry, Dad. I won't

Astrid glanced at Percival, "Sorry about

fine," Percival replied with a

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

embarrassed, Astrid's eyes

replied, "We're family. No need

Astrid said, wiping away a tear

definitely your

so annoying!" Astrid teased, unable to hide her

Astrid said, "I'll stay in Rivenwood for a

"Sure, just give

ruffled her hair, his voice as soothing as a gentle

Wolf. My

around her waist from behind, whispering close to her ear,

on his tempting lips, her tone teasing.

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

is," Vivienne agreed, smiling

suggested they

when they bumped into Aaron

you doing here?" Aaron's excitement

his mood soured as soon as he noticed