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.

had those rascals run

they were needed most, not one was

a few senior brothers, didn't dare make a

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 way, the

slowed as he bid Finnian farewell before slowly

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

all due respects, seizing the moment to

tea ceremony was performed by her, personally handing

truly believed he was destined to be connected with Juliette and Isaiah.

is in the right place. They'll be

in emotion, eagerly nodded,

he left the stage,

noticing his cold palms, asked

her hand back, whispered,

meant she recognized his worth,

fondness for

party, Vivienne returned to the Linklater residence with the children,

discovered Vivienne in

awake until now, but they

to sleep, waiting for Percival, she eventually

room, Percival was greeted by this serene scene, hesitating to approach, lest he disturb

Vivienne sensed his presence, sitting up to

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

children, whispered, "Mr.

the children, but now, you're what matters most

the couple

where Percival led them into a children's boutique, instructing the staff to wrap

spared as they were bundled up and sent

card swiped through, Vivienne stood by watching him, not intervening, but her gaze 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 kids

piles of gifts,

"Looks to me like