The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Leopold couldn't shake the feeling that something major had happened for Vivienne to rush back so suddenly.

"No way," Draven said, his face unreadable, giving nothing away.

Leopold furrowed his brows, "If it wasn't about Percival, why the sudden urgency to report to Vivienne?" "The boss just instructed to refocus our efforts on Rivenwood for now, that's all I can say." With that, Draven turned and left, leaving Leopold in a daze.

Refocus on Rivenwood? What did that mean? Had they stopped looking for Percival, or...

A sinking feeling took hold of Leopold. Was it possible that Percival was truly gone? "Dad, what are you mumbling about all by yourself?" Turning around, Leopold saw two little ones rubbing their eyes and looking at him, a lump forming in his throat as he forced a smile, "Dad was just thinking about letting you sleep in a bit longer." Juliette showed him her smartwatch with an exasperated look, "Dad, if you keep 'calculating,' we're going to be late for school." Isaiah glanced at the tand headed towards the dining room, "We've got tfor breakfast, let's go." As Juliette prepared to tug Leopold along, he suddenly remembered, "Oh, Vivienne's back, she's in the living room. You probably didn't know." "Mom's back?" The kids paused, then dropped Leopold like a hot potato and ran towards the living room.

Watching their synchronized action, Leopold felt another wave of emotions. He took a deep breath and looked up at the sky. Percival, don't worry. I'll make sure Juliette and Isaiah are well taken care of, safe from any harm or injustice.

While the kids were having breakfast, Vivienne approached Leopold, gesturing for him to sit down, "Leopold, giveyour hand." Bewildered, Leopold complied, though he laughed it off, "Vivienne, I'm fine, really. Grandpa just madedrink sherbal concoction, it's not a big deal." Vivienne gave him a look that said she wasn't buying it, and Leopold reluctantly sat down.

After checking his pulse, she advised, "Stop taking that medicine for a while. I'll prepare something more suitable, and you can try that for a while." Leopold was dumbfounded, unsure if Vivienne was teasing him or not, "Vivienne... you mean I'm actually sick?" Overhearing, Juliette chimed in with a bite of her breakfast sandwich, "Dad, are you doubting mom's judgment?" In a panic, Leopold quickly clarified, "Of course not, Vivienne, how could I..." Catching Juliette's playful tongue stick out, Vivienne explained, "The medicine your grandfather got is too strong and sof it clashes. You don't need to rush for kids like this!" Leopold, still reeling from his earlier panic, sighed in relief, "So, I'm really okay?" Vivienne couldn't help but notice something else, "Seems like that medicine wasn't entirely your grandfather's idea, huh?" Blushing, Leopold admitted, "It's been five years since we got married. I just didn't want Griffin to think less of me." At first, it was his grandfather's suggestion, claiming the medicine worked wonders.

Vivienne couldn't hide her amusement, "You're worrying too much. Griffin's taste won't change that easily." Leopold was at a loss for words.

Juliette comforted him, "Dad, if mom was going to leave you, she wouldn't have waited five years." Isaiah agreed silently. To their mom, besides her work, there was only dad.

Leopold didn't know whether to feel praised or insulted, but as long as he was healthy, that was all that mattered. He still hoped to have a child with Griffin.

Vivienne tried to ease his mind, "Not having children isn't always a physical issue. Stress and anxiety can contribute too." Leopold, ever hopeful, inquired about the effectiveness of the new medicine.

Vivienne thought for a moment, "Your body should adjust in a couple of months, but as for kids... I can't make any promises." Sthings were beyond her control. She knew Griffin was currently engulfed in a project for the Martinez family, developing a new weapon, and wouldn't be available for stime.

Realizing the situation, Leopold felt a bit relieved. There was still hope.

As the kids prepared for school, Vivienne's calm demeanor in contrast to Draven's cryptic message weighed heavily on Leopold's mind.

Facing Vivienne, he finally voiced his concerns, "Vivienne, I know you've never stopped searching for Percival in these five years, but with the truth now apparent... haven't you thought about starting anew?" "Percival wouldn't stand to see you go through such agony," Vivienne said, her voice barely above a whisper, get carrying a weight that filled the room. She could read the concern etched on Leopold's face like an open book. She didn't call him out on it, nor did she mat call him obvious. Content belongs to en.kikistoriesInstead, she posed a question, "What would he wantto do?" Civat's ne Leopold choked on his words, the thought of Percival bringing a sigh to his lips. "I'm not Percival, and I can't make decisions for him, but if Percival's looking down on us, he'd never want you to spend these five years in sorrow. Juliette and Isaiah are all grown up now; it's tto let go." Content belongs to en.kikistoriesVivienne's gaze darkened a tad.

If Mr. Wolf truly cared about her suffering, he wouldn't have vanished without a trace for five years.

His heart was the hardest of all.

A cold smirk formed on her lips, "Letting go is easy, isn't it? It's merely about replacing someone who was once by your side." Suddenly, Leopold seemed to have a revelation, his eyes widening in alarm, "Anyone but Connor, please!" Vivienne's eyebrows arched in amusement, "Do you have a problem with him?" Leopold's lips twitched in a half-smile, half-grimace, "Problem is an understatement. I just can't stand the guy." "Mr. Sterling, if you have an issue with me, why don't we lay it out now?" Connor said, making his presence known as he stepped into the room, his figure clad in a sleek dark suit. He approached Vivienne, his voice soft yet firm, "I'm back." Content belongs to en.kikistoriesHer heart skipped a beat, not from the words he said, but from the promise of a new beginning that echoed in his return.