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

sitting quietly on the side with a few senior brothers, didn't dare make a

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

steps slowed as he bid Finnian farewell before slowly making his

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

formalities; she made sure he received all due respects,

ceremony was performed by her, personally handing

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

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

eagerly nodded, oblivious to the

left the stage, he took a

noticing his cold palms, asked in

hand back,

introduction of him to all of Rivenwood meant she recognized his worth, a feeling more gratifying than

fondness for him, could only

returned to the Linklater residence with the

empty, Percival discovered Vivienne in the nursery, soothing the

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

for Percival, she eventually drifted off

this serene scene, hesitating to approach, lest

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

from alcohol broken tonight, as Vivienne noted the scent on his breath. Percival, silently, drew her

whispered, "Mr.

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

day, the couple visited

into a children's boutique, instructing the staff to wrap up

they were bundled up

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

the piles of

eyebrow, "Looks to me like you're