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

she still managed to hint at

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

would have protested,

meal, a tipsy Dorian clung to Percival, saying, "You better treat our

boldness. He would not have

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

did not seem bothered, understanding that Dorian

car, promising, "Don't worry,

glanced at Percival, "Sorry about that.

Percival replied

a moment before saying, "Vivienne, I owe you thanks.

little embarrassed, Astrid's

smile was gentle as she replied, "We're family. No

family," Astrid said, wiping away a tear and

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

Astrid teased, unable to hide

stay in Rivenwood for a

just give me a

Percival gently ruffled her hair, his

Mr. Wolf. My enemies seem to be lacking in intelligence. What should I

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

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

Percival murmured against her fingers, his voice deep and magnetic. "Give them one round for

is," Vivienne agreed,

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

had not gone far when they bumped into Aaron and

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

as soon as he