The confidence that came from the ancient martial arts heritage of the Perez family was so formidable that even Percival found himself at a loss for words in front of it.
Vivienne grabbed Jasper by the arm, fearing he might decide to send the entire Perez clan to protect her. "Grandpa, I'm not in any danger, and I'm perfectly healthy. I didn't say anything earlier because I didn't want to stir up trouble at such a critical time. It's not as complicated as you think."
After a moment of silence, Jasper finally shifted his gaze to Percival, his eyes filled with an intimidating pressure. "Is everything really okay?"
Percival finally found his voice, earnestly explaining to Jasper, "Grandpa, it's my fault. Vivienne was a bit emotional in the early stages of her pregnancy, so after discussing it with my coach, we decided not to disclose this. We didn't anticipate it would lead to such a major misunderstanding."
Hearing this, the tension in Jasper seemed to dissipate, and he waved his hand dismissively, "We're family. There's no need for formalities."
"You did the right thing. Given Vivienne's status, it's always better to be cautious with such significant matters."
With the situation clarified, Jasper's worries were eased.
To Vivienne, who looked a bit pale, he said tenderly, "If Vivienne doesn't want to say anything, I'll act as if I don't know. Not a word to anyone, including your uncles, until you're ready to tell them yourself."
Vivienne and Percival exchanged a look, smiles creeping onto their faces, "Thank you, Grandpa."
Finally, Jasper smiled, nodded, and stood up to leave.
With a young man from the Ellington family by his granddaughter's side, he had nothing to worry about.
At dinner, Jasper managed to suppress the topic in front of everyone, "Vivienne is fine, just go about your business as usual."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
The uncles and aunts adored Vivienne no less than Jasper did. As long as she was fine, they wouldn't interfere too much.
Especially after the head of the family had spoken, they naturally followed suit.
Before leaving, Vivienne went to say goodbye to Finnian.
Just as she entered the backyard, she encountered a group of apprentices standing there like a wall.
Percival felt as if he was being scrutinized under an X-ray as he noticed their gazes fixed on his arm around Vivienne's waist, understanding their thoughts immediately.
He lifted his arm, pulling her closer into his embrace.
Now that he and Vivienne were married, legally husband and wife, he could do as he pleased, and no one could say otherwise.
Vivienne, oblivious to any tension, took the lead in speaking, "What's everyone doing here?"
Feeling the collective annoyance of those around him, Jerry cleared his throat before answering Vivienne's question, "We were just saying goodbye to Vivienne and the coach before we leave."
Vivienne knew they all had their own domains to attend to, and their presence here, especially during Abigail's appearance, meant they had set aside their responsibilities.
Now that Abigail was gone, there was no reason for them to stay.
"When are you leaving?" Vivienne didn't bother with pleasantries, knowing they wouldn't mind.
The others didn't see any issue either.
Vivienne's kindness was never just superficial, and she didn't bother to keep it on the surface.
They all knew that if anyone from Emerald Mountain needed help, a single call from Vivienne would suffice, and vice versa.
No one could bully their only Vivienne in their presence, and Vivienne wouldn't tolerate anyone messing with the people of Emerald Mountain.
Dawson looked at Percival with a sharp gaze, then turned to Vivienne, his expression softening to one of concern, "We'll be leaving in a bit. Seeing you're okay gives us peace of mind."
The youngest, Donald, nodded, "Yeah, Vivienne, as long as you're doing well, that's all that matters to us."
Enzo chimed in, "Vivienne, this visit was rushed because of work at the company. We can't stay long, but we'll catch up next time."
The third and fourth brothers, Daniel and Eric, didn't speak, but their concern was evident in their eyes.
They had been waiting here early, just to see Vivienne one more time.
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