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.

a lively dinner, opting for a hearty barbeque, and Dorian was in high spirits, perhaps indulging a bit too much

she still managed to hint at

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

protested, "Me?

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

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

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

seem bothered, understanding that Dorian was just

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

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

fine," Percival replied

"Vivienne, I owe you thanks. I can't always be here

embarrassed, Astrid's eyes

as she replied, "We're family.

family," Astrid said, wiping away a

arm around her. "You're definitely

Astrid teased, unable to hide her

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

just

gently ruffled her hair, his voice as soothing as a

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?"

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

was radiant, like sunshine. She placed a hand on his tempting lips,

fun," Percival murmured against her fingers, his voice deep and

is," Vivienne agreed,

filling meal, Percival suggested they walk it off nearby

had not gone far when they bumped into Aaron

doing here?" Aaron's excitement upon

soured as soon as he noticed Percival by