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 in high spirits, perhaps indulging a bit

to hint at Alfred about

fear but rather

would have protested, "Me? Never! I'm a gentle

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

boldness. He would

would Mr. Ellington treat

that

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

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

Percival replied with a

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

embarrassed, Astrid's eyes

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

family," Astrid said, wiping away a

her. "You're definitely your mother's daughter, always so

Astrid teased, unable to hide her

stay in

nodded. "Sure, just give me

expression turned contemplative. Sensing her mood, Percival gently ruffled her hair, his voice as soothing as a gentle stream. "What are

up into his deep eyes and suddenly smiled. "I was just thinking...someone is getting impatient again, Mr. Wolf. My enemies seem to be lacking in intelligence. What should

close to her ear, "Let's see how

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

her fingers, his voice deep and magnetic. "Give them

it is," Vivienne agreed, smiling

filling meal, Percival suggested they

gone far when they bumped into Aaron and

doing here?" Aaron's excitement upon seeing her

as soon as he