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?"

is fine now. I was actually calling to

"Medical issue?"

"Who's

close

for

even

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 else to turn to but you, Vivienne." Without hesitation, Vivienne agreed, "Sure, pick

"I'm free anytime, Vivienne. I know

checking her schedule, Vivienne responded, "I'm free today, can make it by 2

rush. I'll be waiting at

up, Vivienne headed to

Percival alone, effortlessly whipping up her favorite dish, donned in a floral apron,

these past days? You've been handling everything on your own, even cooking daily." Percival continued his task, unbothered by her embrace, "Only now you feel

eyebrow, "Didn't I please

"Was it just me who

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

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 washed his hands, turned around, and lifted her onto the kitchen island, his gaze

her lip, suddenly finding the once domestic Mr. Wolf irresistibly

escape,

kiss, leaving her dazed,

Vivienne was speechless.

Wolf had picked up some

saw Percival in the living room, phone

him as she dried her

dry her hair, "I've got to report to the office

"It's fine, I'll

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

at

together, would he regret his current

retorted, "Mr. Wolf, how can you be so sure that

might not have shown his full potential yet, but she was certain he wouldn't just turn out to be

my dear. Thaddeus is your brother, but doesn't Isolde