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?"

was actually calling to see

"Medical issue?"

paused, "Who's the

unless it was someone close in need, but Dorian

need for

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

has given up on the kid, and I had no one else to turn

"I'm free anytime, Vivienne. I know you're busy, so whenever suits

schedule, Vivienne responded, "I'm free today, can

overjoyed, "Great, no rush. I'll

headed to the

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

you these past days? You've been handling everything

I please you

it just me who was

don't play the 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

whether your past actions led her to think that way." Caught

her lip, suddenly finding the

escape,

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

Vivienne was speechless.

had picked up

a quick rinse, she saw Percival in the

him as she dried

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

fine,

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

shuddered at

ended up together, would he regret his current stance years down

you

shown his full potential yet, but she was certain he

Thaddeus is your brother, but doesn't