The Million-Dollar Heart

At 7 p.m., Vivienne was lounging in the living room, indulging in a slice of strawberry cheesecake, when Griffin's call came through.

His voice sounded muffled, as if he was speaking through cotton, "Vivienne..."

"Yeah, what's up?" she responded, her voice casual as she took a generous bite of her cheesecake.

There was a noticeable pause on Griffin's end before he took a deep breath. "Vivienne, how is she doing?"

"Who are you asking about?" Vivienne queried, feigning ignorance.

Griffin seemed to freeze for a moment, almost on the verge of breaking down. "Vivienne, please don't torture me like this. You know the situation with my family. I know I'm taking a gamble, but I just can't help feeling anxious..."

Vivienne set down her fork, her tone turning slightly stern, "If you've decided to gamble, then stick to your guns. Doubting yourself won't help."

After a moment of silence, Griffin softly replied, "I understand, Vivienne."

Percival emerged from the kitchen with ribs just as Vivienne hung up, her attention still partially on the half-eaten strawberry cheesecake.

He swiftly reclaimed the remaining half, meeting her protective gaze with a resigned, "Let's eat first."

Glancing at the confiscated cake, Vivienne reluctantly gave in, knowing all too well that only Mr. Wolf's strawberry cheesecake tasted that divine. The difference between having a cake every day and occasionally was clear to her.

During dinner, Vivienne casually asked, "Mr. Wolf, how long do you think Abigail can hold out?"

Percival served her some greens without hesitation, confidently stating, "Not much longer. The one in a hurry isn't us, it's her." Vivienne nodded, discreetly topping her greens with a sweet and sour rib, only to catch Percival's watchful gaze, "No picking." Vivienne, "..."

After dinner, as Percival cleaned up the kitchen, Vivienne headed for a shower.

on the bed, he patted the space beside him,

heart skipped a beat, though her body

"Mr. Wolf..."

ink-like eyes met hers, making her throat dry, yet it was his feigned menace that made her gulp, "Afraid I'll devour

felt, just concern that her back might not survive till the next day. She had come to realize that the post-marriage Mr. Wolf was like a forbidden charm unleashed, overwhelming at times. Percival chuckled softly, pulling her down to

Vivienne blinked in surprise.

personal touch, thinking to herself how marriage

chest against her

Vivienne, "..."

Just like that?

grip around her waist, whispering, "Tomorrow we're visiting the Linklaters. I'd rather not have your dad chase me with a knife. We'll

did this have to do with her? Arthur's grudge against Mr. Wolf

The next day.

them that the return gift was ready and would be sent to the Linklaters soon. They just needed

for her upon waking. Its simple elegance matched her favorite jewelry perfectly, undoubtedly

she was greeted by the smell of fresh bread in the kitchen. Sitting at the counter,

a warm smile

bread, teasing, "If a few meals can do that,

bread, Vivienne playfully suggested, "Maybe I should give cooking

to worry

distracted by her phone. "Mr. Wolf, is this thing Thomas sent

"Yes, sorting some paperwork overseas took a couple of days. I've checked, just

companies and billions

was already catching wind

Society on Mr. Wolf's behalf. Under her command, they'd move at her word. Percival handed her warm milk, trivializing his contributions, "You said you'd take care of me for the rest of our lives, remember?" Vivienne's eyes sparkled with sincerity, "I'm not in need of money or company,