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

most, not

a few

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

he bid Finnian farewell

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

mind the formalities; she made sure he received all due

performed by her,

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

softly, "Your heart is in the

nodded, oblivious to the

the stage, he took a

cold palms, asked in concern,

hand back, whispered,

to all of Rivenwood meant she recognized his

puzzled by Vivienne's fondness for him, could

to the Linklater residence with the children, while Percival

Percival discovered Vivienne in

party had kept them awake until now, but they

Vivienne hummed them to sleep, waiting for Percival,

serene scene, hesitating

Vivienne sensed his presence, sitting up to greet him, "Mr. Wolf, you're

tonight, as Vivienne noted the scent on his breath. Percival, silently, drew

about the children, whispered, "Mr. Wolf,

time for the children, but now, you're what matters most to

the

into a children's boutique, instructing the staff to wrap up the entire new collection, a gesture of his deep affection and newfound

weren't spared as they were bundled

card swiped through, Vivienne stood by watching him, not intervening, but her gaze clearly held unspoken words. Percival playfully tapped

the piles of

me like you're trying to