The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne was taken aback.

She remembered a twhen 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 sare 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.

Swent 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.

Where had those rascals run off to? When they were needed most, not one was of use.

Leopold, sitting quietly on the side with a few senior brothers, didn't dare make a peep.

Just then, Griffin approached, first greeting 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 way, the earlier threats still haunting him. His steps slowed as he bid Finnian farewell before slowly making his way out.

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

Vivienne didn't mind the formalities; she made sure he received all due respects, seizing the moment to publicly affirm his role. Even the tea ceremony was performed by her, personally handing the cup to him.

Leopold, nearly moved 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 my life," he declared.

Vivienne, slightly surprised, merely smiled softly, "Your heart is in the right place. They'll be your responsibility from now on, godfather." Leopold, caught up in emotion, eagerly nodded, oblivious to the significance of her words.

As he left the stage, he took a deep breath.

Griffin, noticing his cold palms, asked in concern, "What's wrong?" Leopold, gripping her hand back, whispered, "I'm just happy." Vivienne's introduction of him to all of Rivenwood meant she recognized his worth, a feeling more gratifying than any other.

Griffin, though puzzled by Vivienne's fondness for him, could only shake her head.

After the party, Vivienne returned to the Linklater residence with the children, while Percival saw off the guests.

Finding the room empty, Percival discovered Vivienne in the nursery, soothing the children to sleep.

The excitement of the party had kept them awake until now, but they finally settled in their familiar environment. As Vivienne hummed them to sleep, waiting for Percival, she eventually drifted off alongside them. Entering the room, Percival was greeted by this serene scene, hesitating to approach, lest he disturb their peace. Yet, Vivienne sensed his presence, sitting up to greet him, "Mr. Wolf, you're back." Percival nodded, his usual abstention from alcohol broken tonight, as Vivienne noted the scent on his breath.

Percival, silently, drew her close, his embrace tight as if wishing to merge her into him.

Vivienne, concerned about the children, whispered, "Mr. Wolf, the kids just fell asleep..." But Percival, his voice husky with a hint of intoxication, confessed, "Vivienne, there will always be tfor the children, but now, you're what matters most to me." Before she could respond, she was swept off her feet, carried to the adjoining room where their long-awaited intimacy was rekindled.

et The next day, the couple visited a shopping mall, where Percival led them into a children's boutique, instructing the staff to wrap up the entire new collection, a gesture of his deep affection and newfound priorities. Content belongs to en.kikistoriesEven the toys weren't spared as they were bundled up and sent over to the Linklater family.

As the credit 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 somehow." Surveying the piles of gifts, Vivienne arched an eyebrow, "Looks tolike you're trying to make up for more than a month. Seems like you're aiming till they hit their teens." Content belongs to en kikistoriesUMS Percival's eyes twinkled, “That's okay, isn't it? Heard from the elders that kids grow up in the blink of an eye." Vivienne chuckled, “That's something only those away from their kids would say." Those who are with their children daily hardly feel the growth is rapid.

Percival's expression dimmed slightly, but he didn't reply.

Days later, as Percival was in the middle of a diaper change, his phone rang. Unable to answer, he gestured for Vivienne to take the call.

Sliding to answer, she was greeted by a distinct foreign accent.

After listening for a bit, she turned to convey to Mr. Wolf, "There's been a situation abroad. They need you to cover personally." Taking the phone, Percival placed it aside, his gaze locked on hers, "Might take three to five days. You and the kids wait forat home.

We'll move back to our place once I return." Content belongs to en.kikistoriesVivienne nodded, not probing further, aware of Mr. Wolf's overseas connections.

That night.

Vivienne was startled by a call, the sudden ring waking the child beside her.

Glancing at the number, she walked to the window to answer, "Leopold?" Leopold's voice was shaky on the line, "Vivienne, it's bad. The flight Percival was on last night... it was caught in an airstrike!" Vivienne felt a chill run through her, "Have the passengers been identified?" Leopold inhaled sharply, "Yes, Percival's nwas on the list!" "Mobilize everyone, spare no expense to find him!” In the dim night, Vivienne clenched her phone, her expression steely.

Mr. Wolf, no matter where you are, you simply can't be in trouble!