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 hearty barbeque, and Dorian was in high spirits, perhaps indulging a bit too much in the

usual matchmaking, but she still managed to hint at Alfred about taking his relationship with Astrid seriously and not letting

at Percival, though Cordelia did not dare meddle too directly. It was not out of fear but rather

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

the meal, a tipsy Dorian clung to Percival, saying, "You better treat our Vivienne right. If you hurt her,

undoubtedly fueled Dorian's boldness. He would not

would Mr. Ellington treat Vivienne poorly? Don't worry yourself over

understanding that Dorian

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

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

fine," Percival replied with

glanced at Vivienne, hesitating for a moment before saying, "Vivienne, I owe you thanks. I can't

embarrassed,

smile was gentle as she replied,

family," Astrid said, wiping

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

so annoying!" Astrid teased, unable to hide her

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

just give

Percival gently ruffled her hair, his voice as soothing as a gentle stream.

deep eyes and suddenly smiled. "I was just thinking...someone is getting impatient again, Mr. Wolf. My enemies

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

She placed a hand on his tempting lips,

his voice deep and magnetic. "Give them one round for

one round it is,"

such a filling meal, Percival suggested they

not gone far when they bumped into Aaron and

are you doing here?" Aaron's excitement upon seeing her

mood soured as soon as