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.

family gathered for a lively dinner, opting for a hearty barbeque, and Dorian was

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

implicitly directed at Percival, though Cordelia did not dare meddle too directly. It was not out of fear but rather because Percival had an intimidating presence, almost as if he could wipe out the Brooks

have protested, "Me? Never!

Percival, saying, "You better treat our

wine undoubtedly fueled Dorian's boldness. He

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

did not seem bothered, understanding that Dorian was just being

the car, promising, "Don't worry,

Thaddeus departed, an embarrassed Astrid glanced at Percival,

Percival replied

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. I'm grateful you're

little embarrassed, Astrid's

replied, "We're

Astrid said, wiping away

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

Astrid teased, unable to hide her

more casual conversation, Astrid said, "I'll stay in

nodded. "Sure, just give

gently ruffled her hair, his voice as soothing as a gentle stream. "What are you

smiled. "I was just thinking...someone is getting impatient again, Mr. Wolf. My enemies seem to be lacking in intelligence. What should I do?" Percival was speechless, thinking, "Aren't

arms around her waist from behind, whispering close to her ear, "Let's see how long this

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

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

is," Vivienne

they walk

not gone far when they

doing here?" Aaron's excitement

as soon as he