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.

rascals run off

they were needed most,

the side with a few senior brothers, didn't dare

approached, first greeting Finnian, then whispering to Leopold, "What are you still doing here? Vivienne's been looking for you." Leopold, elated, stood to follow Griffin but then caught the "sharp" gazes thrown his

steps slowed as he bid Finnian farewell before slowly

elders present, Leopold, the "godfather," kept a low profile, merely going

didn't mind the formalities; she made sure he received all due respects, seizing the moment to publicly affirm his

the tea ceremony was performed by her, personally handing the cup to

tears, knew Vivienne truly believed he was destined to be connected with Juliette and Isaiah. His brothers simply couldn't understand. "Vivienne, I swear to protect Juliette and

the right place. They'll be your responsibility from now on,

nodded, oblivious to

left the stage, he took a

cold palms, asked

her hand back,

meant she recognized his worth, a feeling more gratifying

for him, could only

to the Linklater residence with the children, while Percival saw off

empty, Percival discovered Vivienne in the nursery, soothing the children to

of the party had kept them awake until now, but they

hummed them to sleep, waiting for Percival,

this serene

Vivienne sensed his presence, sitting up to greet him, "Mr. Wolf,

noted the scent on his breath. Percival, silently, drew her close, his embrace tight as if wishing to merge

"Mr.

of intoxication, confessed, "Vivienne, there will always be time for the children, but now, you're what matters

day, the

wrap up the entire new collection, a gesture of

spared as they were bundled up and

clearly held unspoken words. Percival playfully tapped her nose, explaining, "I've been gone for a month, and I wanted to make it up to

the piles of gifts,

like you're