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.

his robe, sitting on the bed, he

heart skipped a beat, though

"Mr. Wolf..."

throat dry, yet it was his feigned

next day. She had come to realize that the post-marriage Mr. Wolf was like a forbidden

Vivienne blinked in surprise.

how marriage indeed had its perks. He took care of everything, more attentively than

Percival's chest against her back, his

Vivienne, "..."

Just like that?

the Linklaters. I'd rather not have your dad chase me with a knife. We'll settle

have to do with her?

The next day.

called early, informing them that the return gift was ready and would be sent to the Linklaters soon. They

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

smell of fresh bread in the

turned, their eyes met, and a warm smile spread across Vivienne's face, "Mr. Wolf,

few meals can do that, you're either overestimating me

on her bread, Vivienne playfully suggested, "Maybe I should give cooking a

"No need to worry about that with

"Mr. Wolf, is this thing Thomas sent

and nodded, "Yes, sorting some paperwork overseas took

companies and billions in

Draven was already

of our lives, remember?" Vivienne's eyes sparkled with sincerity, "I'm not in need of money or company, there's no need to transfer anything to me." Percival's lips curved into a gentle smile, his gaze intense yet earnest, "I know, but it would give me peace