The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Isolde hesitated before finally speaking up, her voice barely above a whisper, "I'm scared of seeing Vivienne."

"Why?"

Percival frowned, deeply familiar with Vivienne's nature. He knew she would never blame Isolde for what had happened.

Isolde met his gaze, the burden she'd been carrying quietly surfacing, "Bro, about being manipulated... I always felt that I indirectly hurt Vivienne too."

"If it weren't for me, Vivienne wouldn't have nearly lost her mind trying to take down that man, ending up in the hospital..."

Percival paused, his brow creasing, "What do you mean Vivienne nearly lost her mind?"

Thinking Percival doubted her, Isolde insisted, "It's true. That man... he nearly killed you right in front of Vivienne. Her eyes... they changed color. She said she'd become a demon if it meant avenging you." "Become a demon?"

Deep shadows flickered in Percival's eyes.

He had never imagined things could have escalated to this point.

Isolde nodded, "Leopold tried to stop Vivienne, but she wouldn't listen..."

Percival's lips pressed into a thin line, a cold glint in his eyes, "It was because of this that Vivienne went into premature labor."

Isolde felt intimidated by Percival's current state but still silently nodded.

That was when she had been rushed to the hospital, and later, Leopold had told her that Vivienne had given birth a month early.

It must have been because of this.

Percival remained silent, his gaze turning icy, a dangerous aura briefly passing through before he regained his composure.

He stood up, looking at Isolde, "I understand. Don't bring this up in front of her again. She's never held you accountable. She's your sister-in-law and cares for you deeply." Isolde bit her lip, realizing perhaps she had been overthinking things.

But the guilt was real and palpable.

Percival then mentioned, "Juliette and Isaiah are still downstairs. Aren't you going to see them?"

Isolde, caught off guard by the mention of Juliette and Isaiah, hesitated but couldn't curb her curiosity about the children.

After a moment's pause, she stepped out of the room.

Downstairs.

Nathan and Cecilia breathed a sigh of relief seeing Isolde follow Percival, relieved she had come down.

Isolde greeted everyone in the family before finally approaching Vivienne and softly called out, "Vivienne."

Vivienne nodded, already briefed by Mr. Wolf, and reassured, "It's good that you understand. Don't be too hard on yourself." Isolde obediently nodded.

Percival was right; Vivienne wasn't upset with her.

"Babbling!"

The innocent sound of a baby drew Isolde's attention to two cribs behind Vivienne, her eyes lighting up, "Ah, so these are Juliette and Isaiah, such adorable babies." Cecilia teased her, smiling, "Juliette and Isaiah will have to call you Auntie Isolde in the future."

Isolde, still with a child's heart, beamed at the thought of her new status, "Mom, get my savings. I want to give Juliette and Isaiah a big red envelope."

In this family, she was no longer the youngest.

Though Cecilia laughed it off, suggesting Isolde's sudden maturity, she went upstairs to retrieve the money.

The family had already prepared gifts for the twins, except for Isolde.

Despite her young age, traditions mattered.

At the dinner table.

Percival brought up the twins' upcoming christening celebration, and Richard's face beamed with pride, "This is a grand celebration for the Ellington family. We'll invite everyone we can. It's going to be splendid."

Percival nodded, but mentioned a concern, "The grandparents on the other side are also planning a big event."

Cecilia smiled confidently, "We understand their wishes. Don't worry. I'll give them a call. We parents will sort it out. You two focus on the children."

Taking charge, Nathan echoed the sentiment, "Your well-being is paramount. Take care of Vivienne and the kids. Leave the rest to us."

Percival glanced at Vivienne, who smiled back. She wasn't much concerned with formalities; as long as their parents were happy, that was enough. However, what surprised Vivienne was the parents' unanimous agreement on the celebration details.

Not only did they finalize plans over the phone, but they also set the date just three days away at Rivenwood's most luxurious hotel, renting out several floors due to the extensive guest list.

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Rivenwood's elite, especially those connected to the four major families, were all invited.

The night before the christening, the Linklater family was bustling with preparations, while one corner remained serene haven.

In their room.

Vivienne lounged comfortably, idly playing with the twins, when she suddenly mentioned, "Mr. Wolf, I forgot to tell you, I'm planning to ask Leopold to be the godfather tomorrow." Percival, taken aback, hadn't linked Leopold with such a role, "Godfather?"

Vivienne, with a hint of amusement, confirmed, "Yes!"

Percival chuckled and lightly tapped her nose, "Can I know what's causing all this?"

He had a fair understanding of the "rules" at Emerald Mountain.

The title of "Godfather."

Not even in ten lifetimes could someone expect to become the youngest blood, Leopold, in this role.

And yet, somehow it had fallen right into his lap.

Viv narrowed her eyes, "Don't you think tolerating the squabbles of two kids makes Leopold the perfect man for the job?"

Percival, "..."

Let's hope Leopold never finds out the real reason.

Leopold, who was busy picking out his outfit for tomorrow, suddenly sneezed hard.

Griff paused on the other end of the video call, "Leopold, you alright? Tomorrow's Viv's baby's christening, don't drop the ball now."

Leopold took a deep breath and patted his chest, assuring Griff, "Come on, do I look like someone who gets sick?"

Continuing his mission to choose an

outfit, he mused aloud, "Griff, what

do you reckon I wear tomorrow, the blue one or this black suit? Or, should go formal? I remember buying a tux for the master once, where did I put that..."

Griff, "..."

"Stop searching, the black suit in your hand will do just fine!"

Leopold held up the black suit, "Won't this be too plain? I need something fresh. Tomorrow, I'm going to be at the high table."