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

were needed most, not

quietly on the side with a few senior

been looking for you." Leopold,

Finnian farewell before slowly making his way

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

all due

tea ceremony was performed by her, personally handing the cup to

to tears, knew Vivienne truly believed he was destined to be connected with Juliette and Isaiah. His brothers simply couldn't understand. "Vivienne, I swear to protect Juliette and Isaiah with

softly, "Your heart is in the right place.

nodded, oblivious to the

he left the stage, he took a deep

cold palms,

her hand back, whispered, "I'm just

to all of Rivenwood meant she recognized his worth, a feeling more

Vivienne's fondness for him, could only shake her

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

in the

awake until now, but they

waiting for Percival, she eventually drifted off alongside

serene scene, hesitating to approach,

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

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

whispered, "Mr. Wolf, the kids just fell

now, you're what matters most to me."

next day, the couple

into a children's boutique, instructing the staff to wrap up the entire new collection, a gesture of

they were bundled up and

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

an eyebrow, "Looks to me like you're trying to make