The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne was taken aback.

She remembered a time when even her mentor wouldn't part with such a treasure, and now here it was being offered up. What had changed?

Jasper, with a keen eye, called out the old man's motives, "Grandpa, don't think I'm clueless about your little scheme. It broke my heart to see Vivienne up in those hills for years. And now you're trying to charm away my great-grandson? Not even for a mountain of gold!" Finnian scoffed, "You think I view Emerald Mountain as just any place? I choose my students based on talent."

He was set on taking the children under his wing. If not both, then at least one.

Yorick, listening to the banter, chimed in, "They say the nature of a gift reflects the giver's blessings for the child. Since some are being unreliable, I'll ensure the kids have something practical to use."

He instructed someone nearby, "Display the artwork I brought."

Jasper was instantly riled up, "Oh, acting like we don't have real treasures too?"

Finnian's demeanor turned serious.

He was determined to take this disciple under his wing, no one else's.

The competition sparked, and treasures were handed out like they were mere vegetables at a market.

Throughout this, only Richard looked on with a smile, not bothering to intervene, secretly hoping for more generous offerings.

The Perez family guests were chuckling among themselves, seemingly unbothered by the patriarch almost giving away the family fortune.

After all, what was given to the children was essentially given to Vivienne.

And the Perez family hardly needed those treasures.

Same went for the Linklater family; it was as if the treasures were just making a round within the household.

Eventually, Finnian was the last to realize his oversight, his precious collection now emptied, and not a soul had stopped him.

The only ones who could have, were currently mingling outside.

Vivienne and Percival shared a knowing smile, "Mr. Wolf, perhaps we should open an antique store with all these gifts. We'd never have to worry about our future." Percival held her hand, "Sounds like a plan, my dear."

When Leopold was pressed to return by the crowd, he found Finnian with a sullen face among the attendees.

Seeing them only fueled his irritation.

those rascals

needed most, not one was of

side with a few senior brothers,

for you." Leopold, elated, stood to follow Griffin but then caught the "sharp" gazes thrown his way, the earlier threats still

slowed as he bid Finnian farewell before slowly making his way

"godfather," kept a low profile, merely going through the

received all due respects, seizing

tea ceremony was performed by her,

Juliette and Isaiah. His brothers simply couldn't understand. "Vivienne, I swear to protect Juliette and Isaiah with my

in the right place. They'll

eagerly nodded, oblivious to the

the stage, he

cold palms, asked

hand back, whispered,

meant she

though puzzled by Vivienne's fondness for him, could only shake

returned to the Linklater residence with the children, while Percival

Percival discovered Vivienne in the nursery, soothing

had kept them awake until now, but they finally

them to sleep, waiting for Percival, she eventually

serene scene, hesitating to approach,

sitting up

his breath. Percival, silently, drew her close, his embrace tight as if wishing

whispered, "Mr. Wolf,

with a hint of intoxication, confessed, "Vivienne, there will always be time for the children, but now, you're what matters most to me." Before she could respond, she was swept off her feet, carried

the

the staff to wrap up the entire new

spared as they were bundled up

gaze clearly held unspoken words. Percival playfully tapped her nose, explaining, "I've been gone for a

piles

eyebrow, "Looks to me like you're trying to make up