The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne nodded wearily.

At this point, she was running on fumes, her mind a blank slate with the sole desire to crash into bed and sleep for an eternity.

Percival wrapped an arm around her and guided her to the car, signaling to Thomas, "Let's hit the road."

Thomas glanced back at the house, noticing Leopold still inside, "Percival, what about Leopold...?"

He had been outside and was clueless about the happenings within.

Snuggled in Mr. Wolf's embrace, Vivienne closed her eyes and murmured, "No need to wait. He's probably over the moon with his lady love, lost in his own world by now."

Thomas was speechless.

Some say ignorance is bliss, and Leopold was living proof, blissfully unaware of his dumb luck.

With Vivienne and Finnian on their side, this plan was bound to succeed without the Sterling family lifting a finger.

Back at their place, Vivienne hurried through a shower, intending to hit the sack, but Percival had other plans. He dragged her to the dining table, "Hold up, eat something first. Your favorite strawberry cheesecake is waiting."

Barely keeping her eyes open, Vivienne's protest died on her lips.

She let Mr. Wolf lead her to the table.

In the end, she was spoon-fed by Mr. Wolf himself, too drained to even lift a spoon.

She slept till the wee hours, waking only to quench her thirst and sift through a work email from Matthew before plunging back into sleep.

The next morning, Vivienne returned from her run, refreshed and energetic.

Upon entering, she heard Mr. Wolf from the kitchen, "Vivienne, you've got a call."

She hummed in acknowledgment, having left her phone at home during her run.

Checking her phone, she called back, "Cordelia, what's up? Is Thaddeus feeling alright?"

Thaddeus is fine now. I was actually calling to see if you're free

"Medical issue?"

"Who's

reach out unless it was someone close in need, but Dorian

need for

even more indebted, "It's my sister's

sister has been living in the countryside for years, out of touch. She must be desperate to reach out. The local clinic has given up on the kid, and I had no one

anytime, Vivienne. I know you're busy,

"I'm free today,

was overjoyed, "Great, no rush. I'll

up, Vivienne headed

favorite dish, donned in a

handling everything on

I

hummed, glancing sideways, "Was it just me

the victim. We've only been married for three days. Are you planning to make up for the last thirty years all at once?" Percival patted her hand, "Who's playing the

past actions led her to think that

her lip, suddenly finding the once

escape, "Mr.

leaned in for a kiss, leaving her dazed, whispering, "Aren't you going to

Vivienne was speechless.

picked up

Percival in

she dried her

the phone down, naturally taking the towel to dry her hair, "I've got to report to the office today, can't accompany

"It's fine, I'll visit Cordelia

boy Thaddeus to lay off Isolde." Vivienne laughed, "Mr. Wolf, ever heard of reverse psychology? Be careful,

at

he regret his current

Wolf, how can you be so sure that Thaddeus won't be good enough for Isolde when he's

potential yet, but she was certain he wouldn't just turn out to be

on the nose, "You're so biased, my dear. Thaddeus is your brother, but doesn't Isolde feel