The Million-Dollar Heart

All of this felt like a dream to Vivienne.

She pondered if only in a harmonious household like the Perez's, such an event could unfold without rousing suspicion among the other members.

Uncle Luke indeed had a heart big enough to embrace the entire Perez family.

"Getting married tomorrow, feeling nervous?"

Sasha suddenly popped the question.

Vivienne calmly responded, "Not at all."

Sasha smirked, "Wasn't talking to you, but about the one who's been counting days on the phone."

Vivienne, "..."

Tradition kept her from seeing Mr. Wolf until the wedding day, adding to his anxiety, palpable even through their nightly phone calls.

Sighing, she stood up, "Mom, you really should stop eavesdropping."

Sasha muttered, "Wasn't eavesdropping. You were the one speaking so loudly..."

As Vivienne turned to leave, Sasha's tone grew serious, "Something's not right. Be prepared for a tough day tomorrow."

Vivienne paused, "My wedding will happen, no one can stop it."

"Oh, and..."

Vivienne suddenly turned back, "Remember to invite Winston from the Wright family tomorrow. We missed him at your and dad's wedding. He's held onto that; let's not forget this time." Sasha was taken aback, realizing she had indeed forgotten.

Back in her room, Vivienne received a call from Draven.

"Young master, we've located Hunter. He was seen near Jericho Isle with an unidentified woman."

Jericho Isle, a woman.

Vivienne's eyes narrowed with determination, and she instructed Draven, "Notify the Nine Mystics Society. Everyone's on standby tomorrow."

was resolved to deal with unfinished business once and for

dawned with a procession from the Ellington family arriving at the Linklater residence. Percival,

her gaze fixed on the assortment of nuts and snacks beside her, popping them into her mouth one after

After hours of makeup and

herself, she might faint from low blood sugar before

chatter downstairs, her bridesmaids,

do we do, Vivienne? Are they here

the window, swallowed hard, "Me too. I just saw Leopold. What if they really storm in? Do we stop

suddenly missed Anna. That girl wouldn't have said a word in

flustered friends, Vivienne offered them each a date,

Griffin in unison, "How can you still

baffled by their sudden

why did they think eating was a crime on her wedding

the sound of footsteps

"Vivienne, I'm here

Wolf's voice, Vivienne

Griffin scrambled behind the door, gesturing frantically, "He

Vivienne was speechless.

scared,

have a profound misunderstanding of

they stick to this

as Charlotte and Griffin were debating how to demand a cash gift,

followed, "A million each,

Charlotte, "..."

Griffin, "..."

blockade would just show they were ill-mannered

door opened to reveal Percival, his gaze

was his design, the diamonds painstakingly attached by him, but it was Vivienne's radiant smile that captured all his attention. No

Vivienne's face lit up brilliantly, while Percival, filled with happiness, took her

oblivious to the

the procession made its way to

reassured him, "Mr. Wolf, it's

his furrowed brow remained