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 run off

most, not one was

a few senior brothers, didn't dare

Vivienne's been looking for you." Leopold, elated,

he bid Finnian farewell

present, Leopold, the "godfather," kept

sure he received all due respects, seizing the moment

the tea ceremony was performed by

connected with Juliette and Isaiah. His brothers simply couldn't

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

emotion, eagerly nodded, oblivious to

stage, he

palms, asked in

gripping her hand back, whispered,

all of Rivenwood meant she

by Vivienne's fondness for him, could

residence with the children, while

Percival discovered Vivienne in the nursery, soothing the children

them awake until now, but they finally

waiting for Percival, she eventually

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

his presence, sitting up to

his usual 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 her

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

Percival, his voice husky with a 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 swept off her feet, carried to the adjoining room where their long-awaited

day, the couple

instructing the staff to wrap up the entire new collection, a gesture of his deep affection

spared as they were bundled up

Percival playfully tapped her nose, explaining,

the piles

eyebrow, "Looks to me like you're trying