The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Before Leopold could finish his thought, Vivienne shot him a look that could only be described as seeing an utter fool, prompting him to fall silent.

He coughed awkwardly, "Vivienne, you've got it all wrong. I was just worried about Richard. He's always been the picture of health; his sudden illness might be hiding something, don't you think?" Vivienne didn't argue this time.

Mr. Wolf's voice over the phone didn't carry any urgency, so it likely wasn't anything serious.

The Ellington Estate.

As Vivienne stepped out of the car, she insisted Leopold head back, choosing to enter the mansion alone.

In the grand foyer, Flynn Ellington and Cecilia were dressed to the nines, seemingly having rushed back from an event.

Upon seeing Vivienne, they hurried over, Flynn taking her hands, "Vivienne, you're here." Vivienne nodded, greeting Flynn and Cecilia, "Dad, Mom, how's Grandpa doing?" Cecilia was still in a daze, having just finished a gala out of town when they received a call about the patriarch's conflict that nearly led to him fainting on the spot. They had rushed back immediately.

Flynn approached, "Percival managed to get him to take his medicine; he should be fine now." Hearing this, Vivienne replied, "I'll go see him." Inside Richard's room, Percival was sitting, enduring Richard's constant groans and sighs without a word of truth.

It seemed elders could be as stubborn as children, something Vivienne hadn't expected to witness with her own grandfather. He clearly had something on his mind but refused to speak up.

Percival checked the time; he'd been there for an hour since leaving his company, wondering where Vivienne was.

"Mr. Wolf." Just as he was pondering, Vivienne appeared behind him, prompting a smile from Percival as he stood to greet her, "Vivienne." Richard's complaints paused at the sound of Vivienne's voice, his ears perking up. After a while, feeling ignored, he let out a loud, "Ouch!" Vivienne struggled to hold back a laugh at the robust complaint.

She signaled Mr. Wolf to stay quiet, indicating she would handle it.

Approaching the bed, Vivienne feigned concern, "Grandpa, where does it hurt? Letcheck your pulse." Richard slowly opened his eyes, his voice suddenly weak, "Vivienne, dear, I'm alright. Just the frailty of old age, a small illness feels like it could be the end of me." Percival, "..." With such vitality, who was at risk here? Vivienne subtly probed, "Grandpa, extend your hand. Maybe I can see something others can't and cure you." Richard, sharp as ever, caught the underlying meaning in Vivienne's words.

Yet, his pride kept him from voicing his troubles to his granddaughter.

Vivienne, seeing through him, exchanged a glance with Percival, who reluctantly left the room.

Turning back to Richard, Vivienne spoke calmly, "Grandpa, we're family. Just speak your mind." The matter he couldn't discuss in front of Mr. Wolf must involve her somehow.

Richard's expression darkened, unable to speak.

Vivienne, seeing his struggle, checked his pulse to confirm his health before subtly asking, "Grandpa, who did you argue with? If you don't tell us, how can we stand up for you?" At this, Richard's temper flared, "Those old fools at the retirement home! Always bragging about their great-grandchildren. When I called them out, they dared to mock the Ellington family for only having one branch left. I gave them a piece of my mind." Vivienne was speechless.

All this over a bit of pride.

"So, Grandpa, are you in a hurry to see a new generation?" she asked neutrally.

Richard was startled by her question, shaking his head frantically, "Vivienne, dear, I didn't mean... You've just married, take your time, no rush..." Vivienne didn't press further.

"Grandpa, would you prefer a boy or a girl?" "I'm not in a hurry..." Richard stopped mid-sentence, looking at Vivienne's calm demeanor as if trying to confirm he hadn't misheard, "Vivienne, did I just hear something about a child?" Vivienne simply smiled.

Richard felt his blood pressure spike even higher.

He couldn't have misheard.

What fortune for the Ellington family, to have his wish seemingly granted on a whim.

Vivienne didn't deny it, "This is something Mr. Wolf and I aren't planning to announce just yet. We hope you can keep it a secret." Richard nodded fervently, "Of course, of course." As he assured them there was no rush, Richard suddenly sprang up, stopping Vivienne from leaving, "Hold on you can't just leave after re visit; at least stay fore such rare et dinner. I'll have the kitchen prepare something special, especially your favorites." Content belongs to en.kikistoriesPercival, standing outside, was taken aback by Richard's overjoyed voice.

As Vivienne exited, she saw Mr. Wolf's astonished face and laughed, "Mr. Wolf, let's go to the living room. Mom and Dad are still waiting for news." Percival, puzzled, asked, "Vivienne, what did you say to Grandpa?" Vivienne, raising an eyebrow, simply said, "I made his dream ctrue!" Percival instantly got it.

Despite feeling a bit exasperated with his grandpa, he couldn't help but find the situation amusing. It seemed like the news of Vivienne's pregnancy was just short of being broadcasted worldwide. Content belongs to en.kikistoriesCdinner time.

Richard took his place at the head of the table, ensuring Vivienne was seated right by his side. His fork and knife were never idle, "Vivienne, here, have sof this. It's your favorite." Content belongs to en kikistories"And this... it's really nourishing, have a bit more." "Also, this... heard it's good for your health, give it a try." Vivienne didn't resist; she accepted everything handed to her.

On the other hand, the Flynn couple was taken aback by the old man's actions, "Dad, what's going on? Vivienne can't eat all that!" Vivienne didn't say anything, simply picking up her fork and knife and starting on the dish in her bowl.

The old man wasn't lying; today's table was full of her favorites, not only catering to her palate but also tastefully delicious. Unknowingly, her plate was already half empty.

Cecilia was startled, thinking of the medication Vivienne was still on, and voiced her concern, "Viv, if you're full, don't force yourself. We don't want you to upset your stomach!" Seeing this, Richard feigned annoyance, "What do you all know? Vivienne is at a stage where she needs to nourish her body. How can she do that without eating well?" Cecilia paused.

Glancing at Vivienne, who indeed seemed a bit plumper than before, she initially thought it was the medication working its magic. Her hand, previously reaching out, retracted on its own.

Thinking her daughter-in-law was too thin, eating a bit more seemed like a good idea after all.