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?"

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

"Medical issue?"

"Who's the

it was someone close in need, but

need for

Cordelia felt even more indebted,

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

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

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

rush. I'll be

Vivienne headed to the

dish, donned in

everything on your own, even cooking daily." Percival continued his task, unbothered by her embrace, "Only now you

an eyebrow, "Didn't I please you

it just me

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

actions led her to think that way." Caught off guard, Percival washed his hands, turned around, and

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

escape, "Mr.

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

Vivienne was speechless.

Wolf had picked up some

Percival

as she dried her

towel to dry her

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

taking separate paths, Percival kissed her goodbye, "Say hi to Cordelia and Dorian for me. And remind that boy Thaddeus

at

together, would he regret his current

Wolf, how can you

brother Thaddeus might not have shown his full potential yet, but she was certain he wouldn't

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