The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Several days later.

"Where exactly are we heading? Feels like we're venturing into shidden retreat, given how long we've been on the road,"

Leopold quipped, maneuvering the car along the highway. This was hour five of their journey.

The family satfortably in the car, their laughter and chatter filling the vehicle every so often, leaving Leopold feeling like he

had been roped into another thankless task.

He slumped in his seat, devoid of any enthusiasm. Did anyone remember he was supposed to visit his in-laws with Sophie today?

Percival: "Had no idea, honestly."

"Looking for a quiet place to escape the chaos of the world. | just want to live a good life now," Vivienne glanced at Leopold. "From

now on, these matters are in your hands. Handle them well and don't botherover trivial issues."

Leopold couldn't help but smirk. Talk about not mincing words.

"Speaking of which, how's Griffin doing lately? Heard she's expecting?"

"Vivienne, your sources are impressively accurate," Leopold chuckled, a touch of embarrassment coloring his expression.

He hadn't anticipated the pregnancy happening so soon, and seeing Griffin's condition, he couldn't help but empathize with her

struggle.

"How's her diet been?"

"She's got a craving for sour things, really loves them. No significant changes early on, though she seems to be sleeping more?"

Leopold carefully recounted Griffin's recent changes, noting nothing too out of the ordinary.

"After we arrive, make sure you go back and take good care of her. It's important to offer support during pregnancy," Vivienne

advised, just as Percival took her hand.

Vivienne smiled reassuringly at him.

In the backseat, Juliette and Isaiah were playing with Floyd. After the Field family's decline, Floyd's mother had moved abroad and

ceased all contact. Since then, Floyd had been under the care of nannies.

Despite the drastic change in his life, Floyd remained as cheerful as ever, and Vivienne had decided to take him in.

Noticing Leopold's gaze in the rearview mirror, Floyd smiled broadly. "What's up? Something on my face?"

Leopold laughed awkwardly. "No, just admiring how cute you are."

Floyd knew it was just a polite remark but thanked Leopold anyway.

Before long, they veered off the highway and slowly made their way into a secluded villa nestled in the mountains.

The villa, more accurately described as a sprawling estate, was a testament to Percival's personal involvement in its construction

and design.

Juliette could barely contain her excitement. "Mom, this place is straight out of a fairy tale!"

She had always been fond of European architecture, a preference Vivienne and Percival shared, evident in their warm smiles.

"Let's go inside."

Entering the estate, they were greeted by a fountain and a vast garden, with gardeners tending to the roses.

Juliette's excitement peaked as they stepped into the main hall, where Mr. Black, a golden retriever, leaped into her arms.

Before she could react to the unexpected weight, she felt the dog licking her face.

"Mommy!" Juliette turned to Vivienne, surprise evident in her voice, as the dog looked on curiously, mirroring her head tilt.

Vivienne couldn't hide her amusement at the sight.

"This is for you. Do you like it?" Vivienne produced another box as if by magic and handed it to Isaiah. "This one’s for you, Isaiah.

Open it up."

Inside Isaiah's box lay an invitation to a prestigious institute, sparking an unmistakable gleam in his usually reserved eyes.

"Mom, is this... is this for real?" Isaiah, hardly ever showing emotion, stood up, his excitement palpable.

"Your gift. What do you think?" Vivienne knew her children well, and these gifts were no challenge for her.

Floyd, witnessing this exchange, felt content. Just being part of this family was more than enough for him, never mind gifts.

Unbeknownst to Floyd, Vivienne had also prepared something special for him.

Opening the box presented to him, Floyd found a collection of classic books, his joy evident. "Thank you."

Everyone shared a warm laugh at Floyd's reaction.

As the servants unloaded the car, Vivienne guided them through the estate.

Leopold, impressed by the grandeur, joked, "No wonder, with both you and Percival here, feels like you could create your own

island."

Vivienne paused, pondering the idea.

"What's on your mind, Vivienne?" Leopold asked, noticing her silence.

"We did consider finding a secluded island, but it felt too isolated, hence this place."

Leopold: "..."

Was this not isolated enough, surrounded by forests? And what about the children's education?

"They'll have tutors. They've never been fond of traditional schooling," Vivienne explained, glancing at the three children exploring

the gardens. "You didn’t think | was unaware of the schoolyard politics, did you?"

Leopold chuckled awkwardly, "Ha, | just thought those minor issues weren't worth troubling you with, you've got enough on your

plate!"

Vivienne let it slide, simply advising him to take care of Griffin.

The staff worked with incredible speed, and in less than half a day, they had arranged everything just the way Vivienne wanted.

"The rooms are all set up for you. Go check them out and see if they're to your liking," Vivienne said before she went to answer her

phone.

She had been expecting a call from Cordelia who had invited them for dinner a while back but hadn't specified when. This call was

probably to finally set the date.

"Hello, Cordelia?" Vivienne answered the phone.

"Hey Vivienne, how's the move going?"

"It's all done, everything's in place."

"Great! How abouting over for dinner then? Dad's been naggingabout how long it's been since he's seen you and the kids,

and he's already pushingto go grocery shopping."

"Sounds good, tonight?"

"Yes, that works. We've finally wrapped up everything with your sister, and since | had to rush back hrecently, | didn't get the

chance to invite you."

"Alright, I'll bring the kids over."

"Drive safe."

Cordelia hung up.

Vivienne relayed the news to the children, who weren't particularly surprised, except for Floyd.

He stood there, nervously fidgeting, wondering if, as an adopted child, he was also invited.

Juliette noticed his anxious demeanor and glanced at Vivienne for confirmation. Upon receiving a nod, she walked over to him.

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