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 too much

from her usual matchmaking, but she still managed to hint at Alfred about taking

It was not out of fear but rather because Percival had an intimidating presence,

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

the meal, a tipsy Dorian clung to Percival, saying, "You better treat our Vivienne right. If

boldness. He would not

Ellington treat Vivienne poorly? Don't

bothered, understanding that Dorian was just being

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

and Thaddeus departed, an embarrassed Astrid glanced at Percival, "Sorry about that. Dad can

Percival replied with

hesitating for a moment before saying, "Vivienne, I owe you thanks. I can't

little embarrassed, Astrid's eyes

as she replied, "We're family.

we're family," Astrid said,

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

so annoying!" Astrid teased, unable to

some more casual conversation, Astrid said, "I'll stay in Rivenwood for a

"Sure, just give me a

ruffled her hair, his voice as soothing as a

Mr. Wolf. My enemies seem

close to her ear, "Let's see how long this

on his tempting lips, her tone teasing. "I

her fingers, his voice deep

one round it is," Vivienne agreed, smiling

they walk it

not gone far when they bumped

what are you doing here?" Aaron's excitement

soured as soon as he noticed Percival