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?"

now. I was actually calling to see if you're free lately. I need your help with

"Medical issue?"

"Who's the

it was someone close in need, but Dorian and Thaddeus were

for

even more indebted, "It's my

given up on the kid, and I

her gratitude deepening, "I'm free anytime, Vivienne. I know you're busy,

"I'm free today, can

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

Vivienne headed to

her favorite dish, donned in a floral

Vivienne hugged him from behind, "Mr. Wolf, have I been neglecting you these past days? You've been handling everything on your own, even cooking daily." Percival continued his task,

I

sideways, "Was it just me who

the victim. We've only been married for three days. Are you planning to make up for the last thirty

chose not to confess, "There are many ways to interpret words. Maybe you should reflect on whether your past actions led her to think that way." Caught off guard, Percival

the once domestic Mr.

to escape,

kiss, leaving her dazed,

Vivienne was speechless.

picked

a quick rinse, she saw Percival in the living

as she dried her hair,

put the phone down, naturally taking the towel to dry her hair, "I've

"It's fine, I'll

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

at the

together, would he regret his

how can you be so

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

the nose, "You're so biased, my dear. Thaddeus is your