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.

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

her usual matchmaking, but she still managed to hint at Alfred

not dare meddle too directly. It was not out of fear but rather because Percival had an intimidating

protested, "Me? Never! I'm a

better treat our Vivienne right. If you hurt her,

boldness. He would not have been so blunt

Mr. Ellington treat

seem bothered, understanding that Dorian

promising, "Don't worry, Dad. I won't let

Astrid glanced at Percival, "Sorry

Percival replied with a

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 alerted us to the situation.

little embarrassed,

smile was gentle as she replied, "We're

we're family," Astrid said, wiping away a tear

wrapped an arm around her. "You're definitely your mother's daughter,

teased, unable to hide her

"I'll stay in

"Sure, just

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

My enemies seem to be lacking in intelligence. What should I do?" Percival was speechless, thinking, "Aren't you just too

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

hand on his tempting lips, her tone teasing. "I bet it won't

murmured against her fingers, his voice

round it is,"

meal, Percival suggested they walk it off nearby to clear their

when they bumped into Aaron and

doing here?" Aaron's excitement upon seeing

his mood soured as soon as he noticed Percival