The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Yorick finally stepped down from his position, a move that those in the know understood didn'te with any hidden agendas. His concern was purely for Vivienne.

"If even a legacy as storied as the ancient knights can't handle her, this person must be extremely cunning. When you and Percival deal with her, always have an exit strategy. Don't go head-to-head unless absolutely necessary. Your safetyes first." Yorick's words, filled with genuine concern, resonated deeply.

Hearing Grandpa Joe speak so seriously was rare, warming Vivienne's heart. "I will, Grandpa." Yorick smiled, satisfied, and said no more.

In his old age, he found that fand fortune were fleeting.

Being able to see his family thrive, even hoping to meet his great-grandchildren, made him more content than anything else could. Life had treated him kindly.

He had everything he could wish for.

When Percival returned, Vivienne was at the center of a family 'care' session.

Seeing Mr. Wolf back, Vivienne was more eager to leave than anyone. At this moment, all she wanted was to get away.

A father knows his daughter. Arthur, snapping back to reality, was even more tic than she had anticipated. Unlike her mother's calm demeanor, her father seemed to have switched roles, hitting all her sore spots with his words.

If not for the respect for the elders, she would have preferred a good old-fashioned brawl over enduring his nagging.

Percival arrived, arms full of medicine bags, causing Vivienne to frown. "You actually went to get medicine?" Percival looked at her fondly, seriously saying, "Of course. Mom insisted on these prenatal vitamins. They're all top-notch and good for your health. I'll brew sfor you when we get home." "Me? Drink it?" Vivienne was stunned, turning to look at Sasha. "When did you two arrange this?" Despite being right there, how had theymunicated about the medicine? Mr. Wolf had even gotten it exactly right.

Sasha, not bothering to engage, simply took the medicine bags from Percival to check them, then nodded approvingly. "Good, Mr. Field personally prepared these. Start with these to nourish your body, and we'll see how you're doing in a few days." Percival took note carefully.

Vivienne stared at the medicine bags, her headache intensifying.

She was a doctor, which didn't mean she enjoyed taking medicine, especially traditional Western concoctions.

Sasha glanced at Vivienne, a twinkle in her eye, adding, "You know she's always hated taking medicine, make sure she finishes it, not a drop left!" Vivienne, "...

Truly her mother, not missing a chance even now.

When it was tto leave, Vivienne walked to the car, about to open the passenger door when Percival stopped her.

With a questioning look in her eyes, he opened the rear door instead, pulling her in with him, "It's safer in the back." Vivienne, || Glancing at Mr. Wolf, who wouldn't let go of her hand, Vivienne felt the need to ask, "Who's driving then?" Percival checked his phone, and moments later, footsteps approached.

A slightly out-of-breath Thomas opened the driver's door, "Percival, ma'am, sorry I'm late!" Vivienne genuinely felt her eyelid twitch.

But she reassured herself.

Mr. Wolf must be overly cautious right now. This would pass.

It must.

When the car abruptly stopped at a red light, Percival's arm instinctively protected Vivienne, his brow furrowed, "Thomas, keep a distance from the car ahead." Thomas, oblivious to any issue, simply responded, "Oh, okay, Percival." Minutes later, as the car sped around a curve on the overpass, Percival frowned, "Thomas, watch the speed." Thomas paused, visibly confused, but slowed down obediently.

Not even halfway through the journey, seeing Percival's unrelenting vigilance in the rearview mirror, Thomas realized the seriousness. His years of service had honed his observational skills.

Slowing down from 50 to 30 miles per hour, Percival's expression finally eased slightly.

Thomas secretly wiped sweat from his brow.

Thankfully, his years with Percival allowed him to catch even the smallest cues.

Vivienne, "..." Could she get out of the car? Would she even make it htonight? Whether it was the car's value or the formidable presence inside, they managed to crawl at a snail's pace without a single honk from behind.

Half an hour later, the car smoothly stopped outside the house.

The Brooks family silently opened the door, stepping out, only for Percival to tightly grasp her hand, "Vivienne, hold onto me." Thomas quickly got out to assist, "Ma'am, are you alright?" Vivienne scoffed, standing tall, "Do I look like I'm not?" Thomas was taken aback.

Percival gave him a look, "Grab the medicine from the back seat,e over first thing tomorrow." Thomas rushed to the trunk, stunned by the amount of medicine.

So much concern for Vivienne today made sense now; she was indeed unwell.

Upon entering the house, Percival carried her straight to the bedroom, gently placing her on the bed and even tucking her in.

Vivienne took a deep breath, trying to calm the overly anxious Percival, "Mr. Wolf, I'm pregnant, not incapacitated. You don't need to be this protective." From not letting her open doors to personally changing her shoes, and even carrying her the short distance from the foyer to the bedroom, at this rate, she wondered if she'd end up being fed her meals too. Was Mr. Wolf perhaps a bit too overprotective? el Hearing the words, Percival smoothly took a seat on the edge of the bed, puffing her into a gentle embrace Vivienne, the doctor mentioned the first trimester is crucial, and since this is our first child, I promise to take good care of both of you. Nothing's going to happen on my watch." Vivienne wanted to express her understanding, her appreciation of his concern.

But before she could speak, Percival stood up, saying, "Now, be a good girl and rest. You hardly ate anything today. I'll go whip something up." Vivienne was left wondering... Did any of her words actually register with Mr. Wolf? Nevermind.

At this point, arguing with Mr. Wolf seemed futile. He was clearly not in a state to listen. Better to let him be and have a proper talk later in the evening.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a new message. Glancing down, she saw it was from Leopold on WhatsApp.

"Vivienne, where did you find this poor soul? I've been talking at him all morning and got zero, zilch, nada. The kid hasn't uttered a peep. What is he, mute?" It seemed Leopold had managed to send the message on the sly, avoiding Cordelia and the others.

Vivienne typed back, "His name's Flynn. Try to get through to him if you can. If you can't handle a kid, you'll never hear the end of it from me." For others, such words might not sting, but for Leopold, they hit the mark.

Satisfied she'd made her point, Vivienne replied, "I'll be over tomorrow to see for myself." Leopold sent back a giant OK emoji, sealing the deal.

Just as she was about to set her phone aside, it rang again. This time, it was Cordelia calling. Vivienne paused, puzzled. They were all in the shouse. Were they really sneaking around, messaging her separately? mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1 mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fiflO&1 mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1 mmMwWLliI0fifl0&1 mmMwWLlilOfiflO&1