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.

robe, sitting on the bed, he patted the space beside him,

a beat, though

"Mr. Wolf..."

her throat dry, yet it was his

that her back might not survive till the next day. She had come to realize that the post-marriage Mr. Wolf was

Vivienne blinked in surprise.

her head as she relished Mr. Wolf's personal touch, thinking to herself how marriage indeed had its perks. He

Percival's chest against her back, his arms

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

with her?

The next day.

ready and would be sent

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

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

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

"If a few meals can do that, you're either overestimating me or

Vivienne playfully suggested, "Maybe I should give cooking a

to worry

Wolf, is this thing Thomas sent

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

two hundred companies and billions in liquidity to my name

already

contributions, "You said you'd take care of me for the rest of our lives, remember?" Vivienne's eyes sparkled with