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

with a few senior

Finnian, then whispering to Leopold, "What are you still doing here? Vivienne's been looking for you."

Finnian farewell before slowly

several venerable elders present, Leopold, the "godfather," kept a low

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

the tea ceremony was performed by her,

destined to be connected with Juliette and Isaiah. His brothers simply couldn't understand. "Vivienne, I swear to

merely smiled softly, "Your heart is in the right place. They'll be

in emotion, eagerly nodded, oblivious to the significance of

stage, he took

his cold palms, asked in concern, "What's

back, whispered,

of Rivenwood meant she recognized his worth,

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

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

in the

had kept them awake until now, but they

them to sleep, waiting for Percival,

was greeted by this serene scene, hesitating to approach, lest

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

nodded, his usual abstention from alcohol broken tonight, as Vivienne noted the scent on his breath.

about the children, whispered, "Mr. Wolf, the kids just

now, you're what matters most to

next day, the couple

staff to wrap up the entire new collection,

as they were bundled up and sent over to the Linklater

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

the piles of

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