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.

barbeque, and Dorian was in high spirits, perhaps indulging a bit

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

not dare meddle too directly. It was not out of fear but rather because Percival had

knew, he would have protested, "Me?

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

undoubtedly fueled Dorian's boldness. He would not

"Dad, why would Mr. Ellington treat

that Dorian

"Don't

Astrid glanced at Percival,

fine," Percival replied with

thanks. I can't

little embarrassed, Astrid's eyes

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

Astrid said, wiping away

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

annoying!" Astrid teased,

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

nodded. "Sure, just give

her hair, his voice as soothing as a gentle stream. "What are you thinking

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

whispering close to her ear,

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

his voice deep and magnetic. "Give them

it is," Vivienne agreed,

Percival suggested they walk it off nearby

not gone far when they bumped into Aaron and his

you doing here?" Aaron's excitement upon

soured as soon as he noticed Percival by her