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?"

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

"Medical issue?"

"Who's

was someone close in need, but Dorian and Thaddeus were not critically

for

no refusal, Cordelia felt even more indebted, "It's my

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 a time,

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

responded, "I'm free today, can make it by

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

up, Vivienne headed

her favorite dish,

been neglecting you these past days? You've been handling everything on your own, even cooking daily." Percival continued his

an eyebrow, "Didn't I please you

hummed, glancing sideways, "Was it

planning to make up for the last thirty years all at once?" Percival patted her hand, "Who's playing the victim? Who told

confess, "There are many ways to interpret words. Maybe you should reflect on whether your past actions led her to think that way."

bit her lip, suddenly finding the once domestic Mr.

escape,

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

Vivienne was speechless.

had picked up some

rinse, she saw Percival

him as she dried her hair,

her hair, "I've

nodded, "It's fine, I'll visit

left, taking separate paths, Percival kissed her goodbye, "Say hi to Cordelia and Dorian for me. And remind that boy Thaddeus to lay off Isolde." Vivienne laughed, "Mr. Wolf, ever heard of reverse psychology? Be careful, or you might end up playing

shuddered at

ended up together, would he regret his current stance years

to his thoughts immediately and retorted, "Mr. Wolf, how can you be so sure that Thaddeus won't be good enough for Isolde

might not have shown his full potential yet, but she

biased, my dear. Thaddeus is your brother,