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?"

voice came through, tinged with embarrassment, "Vivienne, Thaddeus is fine now. I was actually calling to see if you're free lately. I need your help with a

"Medical issue?"

paused, "Who's

unless it was someone close in need,

need for

no refusal, Cordelia felt even more

years, out of touch. She must be desperate to reach out. The local clinic has given up on the

stunned, her gratitude deepening, "I'm free anytime, Vivienne. I know

free today, can make it

rush. I'll be waiting

Vivienne headed to the

alone, effortlessly whipping up her favorite dish, donned

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, unbothered by her

I please

glancing sideways, "Was it just

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 victim? Who told their mom I couldn't cut

Maybe you should reflect on whether your past actions led her to think

the

to escape,

dazed, whispering, "Aren't you going to

Vivienne was speechless.

picked up

quick rinse, she saw Percival in the living

as she dried her hair, "What's

towel to dry her hair, "I've got to report

fine, I'll visit

Thaddeus to lay off Isolde."

shuddered at the

would he regret his current stance years

his thoughts immediately and retorted, "Mr. Wolf, how can you be so

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

so biased, my dear. Thaddeus