The Million-Dollar Heart

Cecilia finally nodded, waving at Thomas who was standing nearby.

Thomas heaved a sigh of relief, throwing a grateful look towards Vivienne.

Inside the house.

Cecilia, carrying some groceries, entered the kitchen, mentioning she just needed to warm something up.

Vivienne, without giving it much thought, hung up her coat and went to the living room to turn on the TV for Isolde.

Just as she sat down, she suddenly remembered something and headed to the kitchen, only to see Cecilia calmly moving aside a herbal concoction Mr. Wolf hadn't managed to discard, placing a new pot on the stove. Had she not been in such a rush leaving with Mr. Wolf, leaving the kitchen in disarray, she would have thought she was hallucinating.

Didn't see it?

Impossible.

As Cecilia turned around and spotted Vivienne, she gestured for her not to come closer, "I'll handle this, just relax in the living room. No need to come here." Vivienne, "..."

Remembering Mr. Wolf's reaction the last time he was upset, she felt the need to clarify things beforehand to avoid a repeat of that incident. "Mom, that medicine is for me."

Cecilia, with her back turned, dropped a spoon with a clang back into the pot.

Turning to face Vivienne, her eyes widened in disbelief, "You're taking it? What's wrong with your health, did the doctor make a mistake?" That was a lot to process.

Vivienne couldn't immediately guess if her suspicions were correct.

All she could do was try to calm Cecilia down, "I've just been having trouble eating lately. The medicine is just to help with my appetite." Though her words were true, they masked the most crucial detail.

The Ellingtons' concern for her was something she understood well.

If the pregnancy came to light, she doubted she'd even be allowed out, not to mention the unknown number of people who might follow her.

Better to follow Mr. Wolf's advice and wait a bit longer before making it public.

Hearing Vivienne's explanation, Cecilia nodded in understanding.

Not suspecting her for a second, "That makes sense, you are too thin. And with your busy schedule, you need to eat more to stay strong. Looks like we're running low on medicine, should I get more?" Vivienne's brow twitched in annoyance, "No need, I'm already feeling better."

may work slowly, but it's harmless and nourishing for the

she'd become marinated in herbal

passed without further

Cecilia served up some of Vivienne's favorite dishes, steaming hot, even making a small plate

it was to

to eat

and Isolde's face lit up, returning the

piece of fish to Vivienne's plate, "Eat up, Vivienne, don't mind her. Try this fish, it's fresh from the market." Vivienne nodded,

put down her utensils and rushed to

was startled, "Vivienne,

Cecilia was also stunned.

back at the dish

entered the house, he found his mom and sister arguing over

"Is it too spicy?"

feeling unwell.

dishes with strong smells, especially fishy ones. I told you, mom, but you never

just thought sea fish was nutritious, wanted to see which

grew anxious,

"Bro, Vivienne felt sick suddenly and went to the bathroom.

in the

a deep breath and stepped out, "Mr.

something

Percival frowned with concern.

reassured him, "Mr. Wolf, mom doesn't

still worried

room, the fish dish was

"Vivienne, I'm sorry. Let's not eat that anymore. There are other dishes, try to eat

Vivienne bit her lip.

anything at

anything, so let's not force her. It'd be awful if she threw up again." Remembering Vivienne's pale face, Cecilia felt guilty and was

eyes filled with hope, "Vivienne, have you been feeling nauseous at the smell of anything lately, unable to stand even the slightest scent?"