The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

The next day dawned bright and early, with both Vivienne and Percival rising with the sun. Downstairs in the grand foyer, Richard was instructing the butler to prepare sgifts.

Percival, curious, approached and asked what was going on. Richard, with an air of understanding, explained, "At the wedding, the Brooks family played a crucial role in saving Isolde's life. Your parents are planning to visit them today to check on the boy who got injured. It's only polite to bring something along when visiting someone who's unwell." Cecilia shared the sentiment.

"The Brooks' boy is just as precious as any child. In all that chaos, he stepped up to save Isolde and even got hurt in the process. Even if his parents don't voice it, they must feel worried. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their son's bravery in protecting Isolde. It's a kindness we'll remember for a lifetime." Vivienne nodded in agreement, "Let's all go together then." It just so happened that she and Mr. Wolf had plans in the sdirection as the hospital.

After grabbing a quick breakfast with Percival, who also helped carry sof the gifts, they were ready to leave when Isolde, dressed to the nines, bounced down the stairs.

Seeing Percival pause, Isolde, thinking he was admiring her dress, asked cheerfully, "Bro, do you like my dress?" Percival pinched the bridge of his nose, blocking her path, "The folks are visiting; you should stay home." Isolde wasn't pleased, running to Cecilia toplain, "Mom, look at Percival, he's always picking on me. Yesterday he wouldn't lettalk to Vivienne, and now he's stoppingfrom going out. What have I done to him?" Cecilia shot Percival a stern look, "Why are you stopping Isolde? Thaddeus saved her; she should personally thank him." Nathan sided with his wife, taking his daughter to head out, not even sparing Percival a glance.

It was deemed essential for Isolde to thank her savior directly.

Percival could only sigh in resignation.

At the hospital, the arrival of Nathan's family immediately livened up the small hospital room. Cecilia's heartfelt thanks made Dorian uneasy, "It was the least we could do; no need to make a big deal out of it. Besides, Thaddeus is a tough kid; a little injury won't set him back." Cordelia added with a warm smile, "Honestly, Thaddeus and Isolde have met a few times before; they're acquaintances. It's only natural to help out a friend in need." Cecilia's eyes lit up, "Now that you mention it, those two kids might just be fated. If you ask me..." Percival coughed lightly, interrupting, "Mom, Vivienne and I have to run; you and Cordelia enjoy your chat. We'll head out first." After a brief exchange with Vivienne, Cecilia returned to the room, the conversation now veering towards the possibility of strengthening family ties.

On their way, Percival inquired about Cecilia's words to Vivienne.

Vivienne chuckled, "Mom mentioned you've been a bit on edge lately, wondering if it's due to some... discord between us. She suggested I brew you sherbal remedies." Percival was speechless. Was this really something his mother would say? 0 Leopold sounded miserable, "Percival, it's not like that. I'm... grounded." Percival scoffed, "Since when is that an excuse not to work?" Leopold hesitated before asking for Vivienne, insisting it was important.

Vivienne took the phone, only to hear Leopold break down, claiming a crisis over Griffin's supposed engagement to someone else and his own impending doom at the hands of his father. Vivienne and Percival decided to visit the Sterling family to get to the bottom of things, suspecting the issue lay with Leopold himself.

Upon arriving, they were met with the unmistakable sound of a confrontation unfolding within.

"You ungrateful kid, what makes you think you're too good for Miss Martinez? And now look at you, she doesn't even want you anymore!" Leopold was darting around desperately, "Dad, please, stop hitting me. If you keep this up, you won't have a son anymore..." "Good riddance! Having a son like you is an embarrassment. I might as well finish you off and send you as an apology to the Martinez family!" Leopold was speechless...

Vivienne walked in to find Douglas Sterling of the Sterling family, gripping a belt tightly, furiously chasing Leopold around. The head of the household, Kellan Sterling, was seated prominently, clearly fuming and beyond words.

Upon seeing Vivienne and Percival, Leopold ran to them as if clinging to a lifeline, "Vivienne... oh, thank goodness you're here. If you hadn't shown up, I might've been beaten to death." After getting a beating from his grandfather and now his father, even a man of steel couldn't withstand such punishment. Seeing his son in such a state, Douglas's face turned even darker, but he restrained himself in front of Vivienne, nodding respectfully.

Vivienne nodded slightly, her visit was purely for Leopold's sake.

After exchanging greetings with Kellan, Percival finally asked, "What's happened here?" The Sterling family and the Ellington family had always been close, but on this matter, Kellan found it hard to open up. Glaring at his grandson kneeling on the floor, he was so frustrated he could only roll his eyes, "You tell them, you disgrace!"