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.

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

managed to hint at Alfred about taking his relationship with

was not out of fear

have protested,

clung to Percival, saying, "You better treat our Vivienne right.

fueled Dorian's boldness. He would not have

why would Mr. Ellington treat

not seem bothered, understanding that Dorian

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

glanced at Percival, "Sorry about that. Dad can get a bit

Percival replied

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

embarrassed, Astrid's

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

right, we're family," Astrid said, wiping

her. "You're definitely your

Astrid teased, unable to

"I'll stay in

nodded. "Sure, just give me

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

impatient again, Mr. Wolf. My enemies seem to be lacking in intelligence. What should

whispering close to her ear,

on his tempting lips,

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

round it is,"

suggested they walk

gone far when they bumped into Aaron

Aaron's excitement upon

mood soured as soon as