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, "Come

skipped a beat, though her

"Mr. Wolf..."

her throat dry, yet it was his feigned menace that made her gulp, "Afraid I'll devour

wasn't fear she 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 sit, "Sit tight,

Vivienne blinked in surprise.

relished Mr. Wolf's personal touch, thinking to herself how marriage indeed had

lights went off, the immediate warmth of Percival's chest against her back, his arms encircling

Vivienne, "..."

Just like that?

his grip around her waist, whispering, "Tomorrow we're visiting the Linklaters. I'd rather not have your dad chase

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

The next day.

the return gift was ready and would be sent to the Linklaters soon.

dress laid out for her upon waking. Its simple elegance matched

bread in the kitchen.

a warm smile spread across Vivienne's face,

few meals can do that,

give cooking a try. Who knows? I might have a hidden

need to worry about that with me

"Mr. Wolf, is this thing Thomas sent me your

nodded, "Yes, sorting some paperwork overseas took a

companies and billions in

already

Nine Mystics 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, there's no need to transfer anything to me." Percival's lips curved into