The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

At 7 p.m., Vivienne was lounging in the living room, indulging in a slice of strawberry cheesecake, when Griffin's call cthrough.

His voice sounded muffled, as if he was speaking through cotton, "Vivienne..." "Yeah, what's up?" she responded, her voice casual as she took a generous bite of her cheesecake.

There was a noticeable pause on Griffin's end before he took a deep breath. "Vivienne, how is she doing?" "Who are you asking about?" Vivienne queried, feigning ignorance.

Griffin seemed to freeze for a moment, almost on the verge of breaking down. "Vivienne, please don't torturelike this. You know the situation with my family. I know I'm taking a gamble, but I just can't help feeling anxious..." Vivienne set down her fork, her tone turning slightly stern, "If you've decided to gamble, then stick to your guns. Doubting yourself won't help." After a moment of silence, Griffin softly replied, "I understand, Vivienne." Percival emerged from the kitchen with ribs just as Vivienne hung up, her attention still partially on the half-eaten strawberry cheesecake.

He swiftly reclaimed the remaining half, meeting her protective gaze with a resigned, "Let's eat first." Glancing at the confiscated cake, Vivienne reluctantly gave in, knowing all too well that only Mr. Wolf's strawberry cheesecake tasted that divine. The difference between having a cake every day and occasionally was clear to her.

During dinner, Vivienne casually asked, "Mr. Wolf, how long do you think Abigail can hold out?" Percival served her sgreens without hesitation, confidently stating, "Not much longer. The one in a hurry isn't us, it's her." Vivienne nodded, discreetly topping her greens with a sweet and sour rib, only to catch Percival's watchful gaze, "No picking." Vivienne, "..." After dinner, as Percival cleaned up the kitchen, Vivienne headed for a shower.

Emerging to find him already in his robe, sitting on the bed, he patted the space beside him, e here." Vivienne's heart skipped a beat, though her body willingly moved forward.

"Mr. Wolf..." His deep, ink-like eyes met hers, making her throat dry, yet it was his feigned menace that made her gulp, "Afraid I'll devour you?" It wasn't fear she felt, just concern that her back might not survive till the next day. She hade to realize that the post-marriage Mr. Wolf was like a forbidden charm unleashed, overwhelming at times.

Percival chuckled softly, pulling her down to sit, "Sit tight, I'll dry your hair." Vivienne blinked in surprise.

Warm air flowed over her head as she relished Mr. Wolf's personal touch, thinking to herself how marriage indeed had its perks. He took care of everything, more attentively than her own mother.

As the lights went off, the immediate warmth of Percival's chest against her back, his arms encircling her, he sighed, "Tto sleep." Vivienne, "...' Just like that? || Percival, sensing her thoughts, tightened his grip around her waist, whispering, "Tomorrow we're visiting the Linklaters. I'd rather not have your dad chasewith a knife. We'll settle this score tomorrow night." Vivienne was puzzled.

What did this have to do with her? Arthur's grudge against Mr. Wolf wasn't new.

The next day.

Richard called early, informing them that the return gift was ready and would be sent to the Linklaters soon. They just needed to be punctual.

Vivienne found a red dress laid for her upon waking. Its simple elegance matched her favorit ut jewelry perfectly, undoubtedly Mr. Wolf's choice. Dressed and ready, she was greeted by the smell of fresh bread in the kitchen. Sitting at the counter, she watched the man she loved cook for her.

When Percival turned, their eyes met, and a warm smile spread across Vivienne's face, "Mr. Wolf, you're spoiling me." He served the bread, teasing, "If a few meals can do that, you're either overestimatingor underestimating yourself." Chewing on her bread, Vivienne playfully suggested, "Maybe I should give cooking a try. Who knows? I might have a hidden talent." Percival laughed softly, "No need to worry about that witharound." Vivienne nodded, momentarily distracted by her phone. "Mr. Wolf, is this thing Thomas sentyour doing?" He glanced at it and nodded, "Yes, sorting spaperwork overseas took a couple of days. I've checked, just sign it." Vivienne squinted, "Transferring nearly two hundredpanies and billions in liquidity to my njust like that?" Moreover, Draven was already catching wind of it.

A secretive force abroad had reached out to the Nine Mystics Society on Mr. Wolf's behalf. Under hermand, they'd move at her word.

Percival handed her warm milk, trivializing his contributions, "You said you'd take care offor the rest of our lives, remember?" Vivienne's eyes sparkled with sincerity, "I'm not in need of money orpany, there's no need to transfer anything to me." Percival's lips curved into a gentle smile, his gaze intense yet earnest, "I know, but it would givepeace of mind if you did." Vivienne pressed her lips together, understanding Mr. Wolf's concerns.

No point in arguing.

If accepting these gifts would ease his mind, she had no objections.

They arrived at the Linklater residence just before ten.

Sasha was waiting outside, holding Winston's hand. Spotting Vivienne stepping out of the car, Winston tugged at Sasha's hand, bouncing with excitement, "Auntie, Auntie, is she really here?" Sasha bent down, chuckling as she straightened his shirt, "Did I lie to you?" Winston hugged her joyfully, planting a kiss on her cheek, "You're the best, Auntie." Vivienne glanced at them, a bit surprised, and as she approached Sasha, she hinted, "Ever thought of having one more of your own?" Percival, hearing this, paused for a moment, pretending not to have heard as he led Winston into the hall.

Sasha shot Vivienne a glare, "Stop talking nonsense. Don't let your dad hear you say that!" Vivienne nodded, understanding, "Seems like he and I are on the spage, then?" Sasha, || What was this all about? She was well into her forties, with a daughter already married. What would people think if she had another child now? Vivienne suddenly turned, reading her mother's mind like an open book, "You and dad are at an age where having another child is quite normal, and I wouldn't mind at all. You don't have to worry aboutfeeling jealous."