The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Hearing the word "honeymoon", Arthur's eyes lit up. He had longed for salone twith his wife for ages.

But then he thought of his daughter, who was newly pregnant. Weighing both sides, he still felt uneasy. "We can go on a honeymoon anytime, but our daughter's health is most important." Sasha rolled her eyes, "Don't you know our daughter? She's as strong as an ox. What's there to worry about?" Arthur was taken aback, "Then why did you give her medicine?" Sasha was momentarily speechless.

Realizing her slip, she quickly said, "I just wanted the young couple to be more cautious. You know, the first three months are always a bit risky..." "Honey!" Arthur cut her off, his face a mix of distress and reproach.

Sasha sighed, "Vivienne was poisoned. The medicine was to detoxify her." "Poisoned?" Arthur's demeanor sharpened, an intimidating aura surrounding him.

Sasha knew he would react this way and gently patted him, "Don't worry, that little poison won't affect her much. It's mainly because we were worried it might harm the baby. But..." She paused, a cold glint in her eyes, "Whoever did it probably didn't know about Vivienne's pregnancy. The poison wasn't meant to harm her physically but to manipulate her mentally." Arthur took a deep breath, his grip tightening then relaxing, his gaze filled with concern for Sasha, who bore the weight silently, "Why didn't you tell me?" Sasha looked at him, the answer clear.

Decades of missed fatherhood meant that at an age when he should be learning to let go, he still wanted to be more present for his daughter.

But his daughter had grown up. She had her own career, her own family, and her own battles to fight.

The challenges she faced were far more dangerous than anything her parents had encountered.

Their daughter had be stronger in ways they couldn't see, no longer needing their protection.

Sasha exhaled deeply, taking his hand, "Arthur, Vivienne's path will be much longer than ours. What we need to do is not to clear the obstacles for her but to help her grow stronger." Arthur was silent for a moment before finally speaking, "You're right. My daughter is more than just 'excellent.'" Seeing he understood, Sasha smiled again, "So, are we still going on our honeymoon?" Arthur looked at her, his eyes burning with resolve, "Of course, we are. It's something I owe you." Sasha nodded with a smile, "That's more like it." Meanwhile, Vivienne and Percival arrived at the Perez family's hafter dinner time. Fortunately, Mr. Wolf had packed ssnacks and pastries in the car.

She wasn't particularly hungry, just tired of sweets and craving something savory to balance it out.

As Vivienne stepped out of the car, she was greeted by familiar voices.

"Vivienne, you're finally here!" "Vivienne, we've been waiting so long we almost wilted." Seeing it was Ethan and Gary, Vivienne looked past them, "Where's Master?" Jerry cforward, "Vivienne, Master's inside waiting for you." Vivienne nodded and followed him into the hall.

Before reaching the backyard, a distinctive voice called out, echoing from not too far away.

"You rascal, you've arrived just in time. Let's see you judge this - those boys starvingis one thing, but to have this old man, wounded and bandaged, treated so harshly by your grandfather..." Vivienne turned towards the voice, her gaze landing on Finnian's conspicuously bandaged head, pausing in surprise.

She remembered her master was injured in his inner energy, but when had he hurt his head? "Nobody eats until Vivienne arrives!" Jasper was just as stubborn, not minding the wait for his granddaughter. His grandson-in-law wouldn't let her starve, and since morning, he had barely eaten, el threatening to faint at the Perez family's doorstep to show how they treat their guests. en.kikistories Finnian, famished, was barely holding his frustration.

But that was their master, and even if it was embarrassing, they had to stand by silently.

As Jasper was about to explode with anger, Vivienne quickly stepped in to mediate, "Grandpa, it's my fault for being late." Jasper's attention immediately shifted to her, "Vivienne, this old man trickedinto thinking you were on a dangerous mission and got hurt. Letsee, did you get injured anywhere?" Vivienne glanced at her master, warning in her eyes.

Finnian awkwardly touched his nose, having blurted out the truth upon his return.

Hearing Jasper's concern, Vivienne reassured him with a smile, "Grandpa, I can't say much, but don't worry, I'm not hurt. Not a scratch." Knowing Vivienne was safe, Jasper relaxed, "That's good. Remember, no matter how capable, always take care of yourself." Vivienne nodded, "I will." Jasper then asked, "Hungry? I saved sdinner for you, all your favorites." Finnian, "..." Vivienne, caught between the two elders, could only look to Mr. Wolf for support as they headed to dine together.

The dinner table was full, as the Perez family had gathered, knowing Vivienne would be joining them.

Adding to the mix were Vivienne, Mr. Wolf, and the nine apprentices from Emerald Mountain, making a simple family dinner feel like a bustling feast.

The whole dining room was alive, much like a grand banquet.

Fortunately, no one else knew about her pregnancy yet, and she wasn't planning to spill the beans anytsoon.

Given Mr. Wolf's experience, all she wanted was a peaceful few months ahead. If the news got out, she could only imagine the chaos that would follow in her life.

After dinner, Uncle Maddox and Willa cover to check on her, visibly relieved to learn she was okay.

Maddoxforted those around him, "See, I told you, our Vivienne is no ordinary woman. And with Sasha by her side, how could anything happen to her? You're just worrying too much." Willa Perez didn't say anything, just silently observed Vivienne.

Vivienne nearly gave herself away under Willa's intense gaze but quickly changed the subject, "Oh, Uncle Maddox, where are you planning to have your wedding with Willa?" Maddox's eyes lit up at the mention, et eagerly looking at Vivienne, "I've pre-booked two venues with different vibes, one traditional and one western. I just can't decide which one Willa would cide en.kikistories QUMS Blushing at the mention of the wedding, Willa was even more flustered when pushed to make a choice, "I don't know." Vivienne glanced at Willa beside her and offered her take, "I think the traditional style suits Willa's taste." Let's give this a bit of a Western makeover: The addition of Vivienne, Mr. Wolf, and the nine apprentices from Emerald Mountain turned a cozy family gathering into a lively, crowded event.

The dining room buzzed with the energy of a gala.

Luckily, her pregnancy was still a secret, and Vivienne planned to keep it that way for as long as possible.

Having seen what Mr. Wolf went through, she now wished for nothing but a few months of peace. If word got out, she dreaded thinking about the scrutiny that would follow.

Post-dinner, Uncle Maddox and Willa cby to check on her, their worries easing upon finding her well.

Maddox reassured everyone, "I always said, our Vivienne isn't just anyone. Plus, with Sasha around, how could anything go wrong? You're just overthinking it." Willa Perez remained silent, her gaze fixed on Vivienne.

Vivienne almost let the cat out of the bag under Willa's intense scrutiny but quickly diverted the conversation, "Oh, Uncle Maddox, where are you two planning on having your wedding?" Hearing about the wedding made Willa blush, and being pressed for a choice left her even more bewildered, "I'm not sure." Seeing Willa's reaction, Vivienne chimed in with her advice, "I think the classic American vibe would really suit Willa's style."