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.

dinner, opting for a hearty barbeque, and Dorian was in high

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

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

knew, he would have protested,

treat our Vivienne right. If you hurt her, I'll bring her home

boldness. He would

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

not seem bothered, understanding that

promising, "Don't worry,

at Percival,

fine," Percival replied with a

a moment before saying, "Vivienne, I owe you thanks. I can't always be here because of work, and Thaddeus alerted us to the

embarrassed, Astrid's eyes

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

said, wiping away a tear

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

so annoying!" Astrid teased, unable to hide

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

nodded. "Sure, just give

ways, Vivienne's expression turned contemplative. Sensing her mood, Percival gently ruffled her hair, his voice as soothing as a

My enemies seem to be lacking in intelligence. What should

close to her ear, "Let's see

placed a hand on his tempting lips, her tone teasing. "I bet

not fun," Percival murmured against her fingers, his voice deep and magnetic.

one round it is,"

Percival suggested they walk it off nearby to clear

far when they bumped into Aaron and his

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

as soon as he noticed