The Million-Dollar Heart

Theodore's family hustled into the decontamination room, shedding their day clothes and embracing the sterility of the room. Yannick's tantrum was still echoing through the halls, a lingering reminder of the tension that had gripped the household.

Hayden's family stood back, observing the scene unfold with a wary detachment. They waited until Theodore's family emerged, and Theodore restored to his usual calm demeanor before they ventured into the room themselves.

It was just a matter of a bath and a change of clothes, they reasoned, a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Before Hayden's daughter, Mara stepped into the chamber, she smiled enthusiastically at her cousin, Percival. "Percival, wait for me. We'll catch up properly once I'm done," she said.

Percival managed a weary nod in response, his expression softening at the sight of his cousin.

Vivienne was not surprised. On the way over, Percival mentioned that Mara was the only one still in touch with Cecilia. Their bond had only grown stronger since their studies together in Rivenwood, and Mara had always been the little sister who idolized Percival the most.

When Isolde was born, Mara had even sent a gift-a delicate gold bracelet.

In Percival's eyes, Mara was the only Boyd worth acknowledging as family. The two of them had even recognized each other as brother and sister.

Eliza followed the others into the decontamination room, silently taking her turn without comment.

The Boyd family members eventually all gathered together. Mara enveloped Percival in a tight hug. "Percival, it's been too long. I've missed you so much. You never text me back."

"I've been busy," Percival replied, subtly stepping back to create some distance between them, his eyes darting to Vivienne as if seeking understanding.

Vivienne simply arched an eyebrow, choosing to remain silent.

"I thought you wouldn't arrive until tomorrow. Had I known, I would've returned tonight to have dinner with you," Mara said, her voice chipper. It was clear she was the most joyful member of the Boyds. "We were waiting for everyone to come back for dinner," Percival said, flashing a knowing smile.

Mara glanced at Wendy, sighing helplessly.

Grandma was playing her old tricks again, as predictable as ever.

suppers. You two will have to

rest of you should do the same." Mara bristled at the slight. "Grandma, the

a sneer, "Then why don't you give up your room to your

mute if you stayed quiet,"

you see Grandma wants to rest?" Theodore scolded,

family and Eliza rose to their feet but remained

a feeling things were not going to be so

"Leaving?" stopped Theodore's family and Wendy in their tracks, a cold sweat breaking out on

of the household hasn't eaten yet, and you want to rest? Are the Boyds'

did not relish using her

some were determined to test her

subdued it. "We didn't mean any disrespect. It's just that... I am getting on

she could finish, Vivienne stood up and surveyed the room. "Where's the dining area?"

the left. "It's there, but... it's so late, and we

pressed into a thin line. "There's a delivery app in Veridia. You mean to tell me the

stood silently, insulted by the implication

as she flatly stated, "You

and swanned into the prime seat at

wanted to object, but Vivienne's regal presence and recent events forced them

they watched Vivienne claim the head of the table, they exchanged uneasy glances. Where were they supposed to sit now? Then, as if on cue, Wendy and Theodore's family - the first branch, moved like marionettes, taking their places at the

by example, Hayden's family - the second branch, and Eliza had no choice

arrived with bags full of ingredients

was determined to have a spicy feast in