The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne chuckled and set little Thaddeus on the ground before greeting Astrid and Alfred with a

friendly nod.

No sooner had she sat down than Cordelia began to fuss over her with a mother’s concern.

“Vivienne, dear, has the Brooks family been skimping on the meals? You look like you’ve slimmed

down,” she said, her eyes brimming with worry. “I’ll have to fix you up with some extra helpings of meat

to get you some proper nutrients.

If it’s too much, you could always come back home. Your father’s business is picking up, and we’ve got

plenty of room. No need to stay with the Brooks and put up with any hardships!” Cordelia’s voice

cracked as she spoke, her eyes reddening at the thought.

She would never have let Vivienne suffer with the Brooks family if they had not been down on their luck

when they arrived in Rivenwood.

With Scott missing, despite the Brooks family keeping a tight lid on the news, whispers had traveled

through the business community. Without her biological father at home, the Brooks family likely treated

Vivienne like an afterthought.

Cordelia’s heart ached just thinking about it.

Why did such a sweet child have to go through so much hardship?

Astrid quickly handed Cordelia a tissue, comforting her, “Mom, it’s good that Vivienne is here. We

should be celebrating being together.”

Cordelia sniffled. “Yes, you’re right. If you could come home more often, we’d have even more time

together.”

Astrid playfully stuck out her tongue. “Vivienne, I can’t cheer her up. Your turn.”

Thaddeus piped up from the side. “Mommy’s crying! Does she want cake?”

Alfred ruffled Thaddeus’ hair. “Looks to me like someone else is angling for cake!”

“I am not!” protested Thaddeus, though his expression gave him away.

Their banter lightened the mood considerably.

The family gathered for a lively dinner, opting for a hearty barbeque, and Dorian was in high spirits,

perhaps indulging a bit too much in the wine.

Cordelia refrained from her usual matchmaking, but she still managed to hint at Alfred about taking his

relationship with Astrid seriously and not letting her down.

The same message was implicitly directed at Percival, though Cordelia did not dare meddle too

directly. It was not out of fear but rather because Percival had an intimidating presence, almost as if he

could wipe out the Brooks family with a word.

If Percival knew, he would have protested, “Me? Never! I’m a gentle soul!”

After the meal, a tipsy Dorian clung to Percival, saying, “You better treat our Vivienne right. If you hurt

her, I’ll bring her home and break your legs!”

The wine undoubtedly fueled Dorian’s boldness. He would not have been so blunt otherwise.

Astrid steadied her father. “Dad, why would Mr. Ellington treat Vivienne poorly? Don’t worry yourself

over nothing.”

Percival did not seem bothered, understanding that Dorian was just being a protective father.

He helped Dorian into the car, promising, “Don’t worry, Dad. I won’t let Vivienne down.”

Once Dorian, Cordelia, and Thaddeus departed, an embarrassed Astrid glanced at Percival, “Sorry

about that. Dad can get a bit loose-lipped when he drinks.”

“It’s fine,” Percival replied with a light smile.

Astrid bit her lip and then glanced at Vivienne, hesitating for a moment before saying, “Vivienne, I owe

you thanks. I can’t always be here because of work, and Thaddeus alerted us to the situation. I’m

grateful you’re here.”

A little embarrassed, Astrid’s eyes glistened.

Vivienne’s smile was gentle as she replied, “We’re family. No need for thanks.”

“That’s right, we’re family,” Astrid said, wiping away a tear and smiling.

Alfred wrapped an arm around her. “You’re definitely your mother’s daughter, always so quick to tears.”

“You’re so annoying!” Astrid teased, unable to hide her blush.

After some more casual conversation, Astrid said, “I’ll stay in Rivenwood for a while. Let’s go shopping

sometime.”

Vivienne nodded. “Sure, just give me a call.”

After parting ways, Vivienne’s expression turned contemplative. Sensing her mood, Percival gently

ruffled her hair, his voice as soothing as a gentle stream. “What are you thinking about?”

She looked up into his deep eyes and suddenly smiled. “I was just thinking…someone is getting

impatient again, Mr. Wolf. My enemies seem to be lacking in intelligence. What should I do?”

Percival was speechless, thinking, “Aren’t you just too clever?”

He wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, whispering close to her ear, “Let’s see how long

this enemy lasts.”

Vivienne’s laugh was radiant, like sunshine. She placed a hand on his tempting lips, her tone teasing. “I

bet it won’t last even one round!”

“That’s not fun,” Percival murmured against her fingers, his voice deep and magnetic. “Give them one

round for free.”

“Then, one round it is,” Vivienne agreed, smiling brightly.

After such a filling meal, Percival suggested they walk it off nearby to clear their minds.

They had not gone far when they bumped into Aaron and his entourage.

“Vivienne, what are you doing here?” Aaron’s excitement upon seeing her was palpable.

However, his mood soured as soon as he noticed Percival by her side.

Could this guy not take a hint?

Percival would have retorted at this thought, “It’s you who can’t take a hint.”

“Just shopping, you?” Vivienne said.

Fergus sidled up to Percival, his eyes gleaming with admiration. “We’re just shopping too. Percival, got

time for a game?”

Apart from Aaron, the rest of the gang gazed at Percival like he was a rock star.

The man was a legend!

A true idol!

Everyone knew about Snake’s enigmatic coach, who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Vivienne!

How could they not be starstruck?

Percival had not expected to have such a fan club among the Hawks, but gaming was the last thing on

his mind today. He just wanted to spend some quality time shopping with Vivienne.Books Chapters Are

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“Next time,” said Percival, flashing a smile and casually wrapping an arm around Vivienne’s waist.

Vivienne, busy chatting with Aaron, found Percival’s hand a bit intrusive and swatted at it, “Let go.”

Seizing the moment, Aaron tugged at Vivienne, “Vivienne, there’s a bakery selling strawberry

cheesecake over there. Let’s go get some.”

Vivienne’s eyes lit up with excitement instantly. “Yes, let’s go!”

Percival watched, crestfallen, as Aaron whisked Vivienne away, his mood turning sour.

That Aaron kid really did not know when to quit.

Percival hastened his steps, swooping in to buy all the strawberry cheesecakes in sight, and picked out

the most succulent piece to feed to Vivienne. “Try this, Vivienne.”

She took a bite, “Delicious.”

Aaron clenched his fists at the sight, nearly going insane with envy.

But what could he do?

Percival quirked an eyebrow, leading Vivienne forward, feeding her bites of the cheesecake, the

sweetness of the moment undeniable.

Grinding his teeth, Aaron said, “Vivienne, there’s something I need to talk to you about alone. It’s

important.”

Vivienne turned around. Aaron seldom described things as important, so it had to be serious.

She nodded and said, “Let’s go to the car.”