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?"

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

"Medical issue?"

paused, "Who's the

reach out unless it was someone close in need, but Dorian and

need for

Cordelia felt even

out. The local clinic has given up on

free anytime, Vivienne. I know you're

"I'm free today,

no rush. I'll be waiting

headed

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

him from behind, "Mr. Wolf, have I been neglecting you these past days? You've been handling everything on your own, even

I

it just me who was

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

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

bit her lip, suddenly finding the once

escape,

dazed, whispering, "Aren't you going to wash

Vivienne was speechless.

Wolf had picked up

rinse, she saw Percival in the living room, phone

him as she dried her hair, "What's

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

fine, I'll visit

they 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

shuddered at the

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

retorted, "Mr. Wolf, how can you be so sure that Thaddeus won't

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

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