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.

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

directly. It was not out of fear but rather because Percival

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

meal, a tipsy Dorian clung to Percival, saying, "You better treat our Vivienne right. If you hurt her, I'll bring her home and break your

He would not have

Ellington treat Vivienne poorly? Don't

bothered, understanding that Dorian was

Dorian into the car, promising, "Don't

embarrassed Astrid glanced at Percival,

replied with a light

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

embarrassed, Astrid's eyes

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

we're family," Astrid said,

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

teased, unable to hide

some more casual conversation, Astrid said, "I'll stay

just give me

turned contemplative. Sensing her mood, Percival gently ruffled her hair, his voice

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 I do?" Percival

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

hand on his tempting lips, her

fun," Percival murmured against her fingers, his voice deep and magnetic. "Give

it is,"

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

they bumped

you doing here?" Aaron's excitement

mood soured as soon as he noticed