The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Hearing this, Leopold's expression shifted subtly, and he pursed his lips. "What if Vivienne finds out?"

He couldn't stop Vivienne from seeking happiness again.

But he had to ensure, on Percival's behalf, that anyone who came close to Vivienne had to be as deserving as Percival had been.

Unconditionally good to Vivienne.

But that guy, he wasn't the one.

Catching a glimpse of hope, Juliette raised her youthful eyebrows, "Godfather, think about it. Mom's always been pretty indifferent to him. If Isaiah and I drop a few hints, how could Mom possibly agree to his advances?" Leopold found himself agreeing.

No matter how formidable that man was, he couldn't overcome Juliette and Isaiah's dislike.

The car headed towards the Ellington estate.

Seated in the back, Juliette quickly figured out where Leopold was headed. She leaned back, "Godfather, it's not Friday. Why are we going to Grandma and Grandpa's place?"

Leopold replied, "Tonight's Thanksgiving. Vivienne asked me to pick you up for the celebration. She'll join us later."

Juliette nodded in understanding, accustomed to this arrangement.

Over the years, it had always been like this. No matter where Mom was, she would rush back to celebrate with Grandma, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa.

Because of this, Grandpa had secretly been quite jealous.

Complaining that Mom never spent these holidays with him and Grandma.

But such complaints were only muttered in their presence, never in front of Mom.

Because Grandpa was also a little afraid of Mom.

Only Grandma could really handle Mom.

Next to her, Isaiah glanced back nonchalantly, then suddenly announced, "Mom's here."

"What?"

Leopold was startled, quickly checking the rearview mirror to see a black Cayenne following closely behind.

Vivienne's car.

Just an hour ago, Vivienne had called him, and now she had already rushed back from the airport.

If not for Isaiah's alert, he would have had no idea how long Vivienne had been tailing them.

Leopold felt a cold sweat on his palms, realizing that Vivienne had been right behind them while he and Juliette were scheming.

But the other key player in their scheme seemed unfazed, peering out the window with a flicker of excitement, "Really, Mom's back."

Leopold swallowed nervously, "Juliette, Isaiah, sit tight and don't fuss. Godfather needs to tell you, everything we discussed in the car and about school, we absolutely can't let Vivienne catch on, got it?" Juliette nodded.

It was her idea; she certainly wouldn't let Mom find out.

But Godfather, always so easily spooked.

Mom, being the sharp woman she is, would have noticed immediately.

Isaiah glanced at the time, then shut his tablet, "Godfather, she won't find out as long as you don't keep getting so nervous."

Leopold, "..."

Minutes later, Leopold's car smoothly pulled up outside the Ellington estate.

Following behind, Vivienne stepped out of her vehicle, her high heels clicking on the pavement. Her hair was tied up neatly, and she was wrapped in a striking red trench coat, catching everyone's eye. Five years hadn't left a mark on her; if anything, she seemed more mature and alluring.

Not long after leaving the airport, she had spotted Leopold's car and slowed down to follow.

All the way, she noticed nothing suspicious, assured by her own precautions.

Removing her sunglasses, she spoke in her usual calm tone, "Leopold, have the kids been any trouble?"

Leopold instinctively glanced at the two kids stepping out of the car, offering Vivienne a reassuring smile, "Not at all, Vivienne. Their teachers even praised them today, right, Juliette, Isaiah?"

As he spoke, he looked down at the two kids, now almost as tall as his thigh.

Unfortunately, the kids had already run over to Vivienne, not sparing him a second glance.

What about the things they had agreed to keep secret?

Vivienne wrapped an arm around each child, asking, "Oh? And what did they praise?"

Leopold hesitated.

"Of course, they said Isaiah and I are smart and cute. That there are no other kids in school quite like us. Mom, what does 'special' mean?" Juliette tilted her head, skillfully steering the conversation away.

Vivienne looked down, explaining, "Every child is born unique; there's nothing strange about that."

Juliette blinked, expecting such an answer.

Ever since she had inherited Grandpa Finnian's old medical books, Mom had warned her not to show off her knowledge in front of others.

Even visits to Grandpa Finnian were limited to once a month.

But after accidentally burning down Grandpa Finnian's place last time, she hadn't visited him in the mountains for two months.

Still, it didn't matter. Mom was back, and she wanted to stay by her side.

As for Grandpa Finnian, she could visit once his anger had cooled.

Thinking this, Juliette buried her face in Vivienne's embrace, "Mom, I missed you so much. Didn't you miss Isaiah and me at all when you were away?"

Isaiah looked up, his usual calm demeanor replaced by a hint of emotion-Vivienne was the only one who could evoke such a response.

"Mom, can you stay a few days this time?"

Vivienne's heart softened at the sight of Isaiah's face, so similar to Mr. Wolf's. She nodded, touching each of their heads, "I'll stay in Rivenwood for a few days."

Isaiah's eyes brightened, both kids clutching Vivienne's hands.

Leopold, seeing this, spoke up, "Vivienne, I'll head back then. I'll come over tomorrow to pick them up."

Vivienne stopped him, "I've got it from here. You take some time off these next few days."

Juliette popped her head out and waved at Leopold, "Godfather, you better head back and keep Auntie Griffin company, and don't forget to tell her Juliette misses her." Leopold chuckled, somewhat resigned. She was quick to let him go. It seemed like no sentimental attachment lingered on her end.

No sooner had Leopold left than Juliette whispered to Vivienne, "Mom, maybe you should prescribe something for Godfather, so he stops taking those placebo pills." Vivienne raised an eyebrow, "What's going on with Leopold?"

In all innocence, Juliette replied, "Godfather's been secretly downing herbal concoctions lately, claiming they're for fertility issues."

Vivienne, "..."

Her brow furrowed. What on earth were they teaching Juliette? She was still so young...

Isaiah chimed in to clarify, "It was Mr. Sterling who called Godfather and spilled the beans, Mom."

"Yeah, Godfather and Auntie have

been married for five years now. It's about time they had a baby of thei own. Mr. Sterling always looks so pitiful when he sees me and my brother, acting all concerned at his age..."

BUMS

Juliette's face was a picture of exasperation. Godfather didn't seem to have any health issues, and those remedies were probably just shake oil for those who knew nothing about medicine.

She couldn't fathom why Godfather would insist on taking them.

The trio's gaze simultaneously shifted towards a distant figure, with Vivienne's eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions.

Over the years, she felt she owed Leopold too much.

The moment Leopold drove off, a loud sneeze almost made him lose grip on the steering wheel.

Glancing back, he saw Vivienne and her kids staring in his direction.

For some reason, he couldn't shake off the feeling that Vivienne's look was laden with deep remorse...