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.

already in his robe, sitting on the bed, he patted

though her

"Mr. Wolf..."

throat dry, yet it was his feigned menace that made her gulp,

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

Vivienne blinked in surprise.

Mr. Wolf's personal touch, thinking to herself how marriage indeed had its perks. He took

the immediate warmth of Percival's chest against her back,

Vivienne, "..."

Just like that?

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

have to do with her?

The next day.

them that the return gift was ready and would be sent to the Linklaters

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

was greeted by the smell of fresh bread in the kitchen. Sitting

met, and a warm smile spread across

teasing, "If a few meals can do that,

on her bread, Vivienne playfully suggested, "Maybe I should give cooking a try. Who knows? I might have

softly, "No need to worry

phone. "Mr. Wolf, is this thing

glanced at it and nodded, "Yes, sorting some paperwork overseas took

companies and billions

was already catching

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