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.

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

matchmaking, but she still managed to hint at Alfred about taking his relationship with Astrid seriously and not

out of fear but rather because Percival had an intimidating presence, almost as if he could wipe out

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

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

He would not

Mr. Ellington treat Vivienne poorly? Don't worry yourself

bothered, understanding that Dorian was

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

Dorian, Cordelia, and Thaddeus departed, an embarrassed Astrid glanced at Percival, "Sorry about that. Dad can get a bit loose-lipped when

fine," Percival replied with

you thanks. I can't always be here because of work, and Thaddeus alerted us to the situation.

little embarrassed, Astrid's

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

Astrid said, wiping away a

around her. "You're definitely

so annoying!" Astrid teased,

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

nodded. "Sure, just give

gently ruffled her hair, his voice as soothing as a gentle stream. "What are

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

whispering close to her ear,

like sunshine. She placed a hand on his tempting lips,

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

round it is," Vivienne

such a filling meal, Percival suggested they walk it off nearby

they

Aaron's excitement

his mood soured as soon as he noticed Percival by her