The Million-Dollar Heart

The next day dawned bright and early, with both Vivienne and Percival rising with the sun. Downstairs in the grand foyer, Richard was instructing the butler to prepare some gifts.

Percival, curious, approached and asked what was going on. Richard, with an air of understanding, explained, "At the wedding, the Brooks family played a crucial role in saving Isolde's life. Your parents are planning to visit them today to check on the boy who got injured. It's only polite to bring something along when visiting someone who's unwell."

Cecilia shared the sentiment.

"The Brooks' boy is just as precious as any child. In all that chaos, he stepped up to save Isolde and even got hurt in the process. Even if his parents don't voice it, they must feel worried. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their son's bravery in protecting Isolde. It's a kindness we'll remember for a lifetime."

Vivienne nodded in agreement, "Let's all go together then."

It just so happened that she and Mr. Wolf had plans in the same direction as the hospital.

After grabbing a quick breakfast with Percival, who also helped carry some of the gifts, they were ready to leave when Isolde, dressed to the nines, bounced down the stairs.

Seeing Percival pause, Isolde, thinking he was admiring her dress, asked cheerfully, "Bro, do you like my dress?"

Percival pinched the bridge of his nose, blocking her path, "The folks are visiting; you should stay home."

Isolde wasn't pleased, running to Cecilia to complain, "Mom, look at Percival, he's always picking on me. Yesterday he wouldn't let me talk to Vivienne, and now he's stopping me from going out. What have I done to him?"

Cecilia shot Percival a stern look, "Why are you stopping Isolde? Thaddeus saved her; she should personally thank him."

taking his daughter to head out, not even sparing Percival a

for Isolde to thank her savior

only

Dorian uneasy, "It was the least we could do; no need to make a big deal out of it. Besides, Thaddeus is a tough kid; a little

Thaddeus and Isolde have met a few times before; they're acquaintances. It's

that you mention it, those two

"Mom, Vivienne and I have to run; you and Cordelia enjoy your

with Vivienne, Cecilia returned to the room, the conversation now veering towards the possibility of strengthening

Percival inquired about

you've been a bit on edge lately, wondering if it's due to some... discord between us. She suggested

you're looking for a way

is that an excuse not to

for Vivienne, insisting it

down, claiming a crisis over Griffin's supposed engagement to someone else and his own impending doom at the

decided to visit the Sterling family to get to the bottom of things, suspecting the issue lay

with the unmistakable sound of

for Miss Martinez? And now look at you, she doesn't even

hitting me. If you keep