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

needed most, not one was of

with a

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

as he bid Finnian farewell before slowly

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

he received all due respects, seizing the moment to publicly

by her, personally handing the

was destined to be connected with Juliette and Isaiah. His brothers

surprised, merely smiled softly, "Your heart is in the right place. They'll be your responsibility from now on,

emotion, eagerly nodded, oblivious to

he left the stage, he took

noticing his cold palms,

back, whispered, "I'm

she recognized his worth, a feeling

Vivienne's fondness for him, could only shake

residence with

Vivienne in the nursery,

until now, but they

hummed them to sleep, waiting for

was greeted by this serene scene, hesitating to

Vivienne sensed his presence, sitting up

abstention from alcohol broken tonight, as Vivienne noted the scent on his breath. Percival, silently, drew her close, his embrace tight as if wishing to merge

the children, whispered, "Mr. Wolf,

you're what matters most to me." Before she could respond, she was swept off

next day, the

staff to wrap up

were bundled up

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

the piles of

eyebrow, "Looks to me like