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.

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

her usual matchmaking, but she still managed to hint at

It was not out of fear but rather because Percival had an intimidating presence, almost as if he could

would have protested,

Dorian clung to Percival, saying, "You better treat our

He would not have

Mr. Ellington

understanding that Dorian was

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

glanced at Percival, "Sorry about that. Dad can get a bit loose-lipped when he

fine," Percival replied with

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

little embarrassed, Astrid's

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

said, wiping away a

her. "You're definitely your

so annoying!" Astrid teased, unable to

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

nodded. "Sure, just give me

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

smiled. "I was just thinking...someone is getting impatient again, Mr. Wolf. My enemies seem to be lacking

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

radiant, like sunshine. She placed a hand on his tempting lips, her tone teasing. "I bet it won't

voice deep and magnetic. "Give them

is," Vivienne agreed,

a filling meal, Percival suggested they walk it

gone far when they bumped into Aaron and his

here?" Aaron's excitement

mood soured as soon as he noticed