The Million-Dollar Heart novel Chapter 403

Vivienne chuckled and set little Thaddeus on the ground before greeting Astrid and Alfred with a friendly nod.

No sooner had she sat down than Cordelia began to fuss over her with a mother's concern.

"Vivienne, dear, has the Brooks family been skimping on the meals? You look like you've slimmed down," she said, her eyes brimming with worry. "I'll have to fix you up with some extra helpings of meat to get you some proper nutrients.

If it's too much, you could always come back home. Your father's business is picking up, and we've got plenty of room. No need to stay with the Brooks and put up with any hardships!" Cordelia's voice cracked as she spoke, her eyes reddening at the thought.

She would never have let Vivienne suffer with the Brooks family if they had not been down on their luck when they arrived in Rivenwood.

With Scott missing, despite the Brooks family keeping a tight lid on the news, whispers had traveled through the business community. Without her biological father at home, the Brooks family likely treated Vivienne like an afterthought.

Cordelia's heart ached just thinking about it.

Why did such a sweet child have to go through so much hardship?

Astrid quickly handed Cordelia a tissue, comforting her, "Mom, it’s good that Vivienne is here. We should be celebrating being together."

Cordelia sniffled. "Yes, you’re right. If you could come home more often, we'd have even more time together."

Astrid playfully stuck out her tongue. "Vivienne, I can't cheer her up. Your turn."

Thaddeus piped up from the side. "Mommy's crying! Does she want cake?"

Alfred ruffled Thaddeus' hair. "Looks to me like someone else is angling for cake!"

"I am not!" protested Thaddeus, though his expression gave him away.

Their banter lightened the mood considerably.

The family gathered for a lively dinner, opting for a hearty barbeque, and Dorian was in high spirits, perhaps indulging a bit too much in the wine.

Cordelia refrained from her usual matchmaking, but she still managed to hint at Alfred about taking his relationship with Astrid seriously and not letting her down.

The same message was implicitly directed at Percival, though Cordelia did not dare meddle too directly. It was not out of fear but rather because Percival had an intimidating presence, almost as if he could wipe out the Brooks family with a word.

If Percival knew, he would have protested, “Me? Never! I'm a gentle soul!”

After the meal, a tipsy Dorian clung to Percival, saying, "You better treat our Vivienne right. If you hurt her, I'll bring her home and break your legs!"

The wine undoubtedly fueled Dorian's boldness. He would not have been so blunt otherwise.

Astrid steadied her father. "Dad, why would Mr. Ellington treat Vivienne poorly? Don't worry yourself over nothing."

Percival did not seem bothered, understanding that Dorian was just being a protective father.

He helped Dorian into the car, promising, "Don't worry, Dad. I won't let Vivienne down."

Once Dorian, Cordelia, and Thaddeus departed, an embarrassed Astrid glanced at Percival, "Sorry about that. Dad can get a bit loose-lipped when he drinks."

"It's fine," Percival replied with a light smile.

Astrid bit her lip and then glanced at Vivienne, hesitating for a moment before saying, "Vivienne, I owe you thanks. I can't always be here because of work, and Thaddeus alerted us to the situation. I'm grateful you're here."

A little embarrassed, Astrid's eyes glistened.

Vivienne's smile was gentle as she replied, "We're family. No need for thanks."

"That's right, we're family," Astrid said, wiping away a tear and smiling.

Alfred wrapped an arm around her. "You're definitely your mother's daughter, always so quick to tears."

"You’re so annoying!" Astrid teased, unable to hide her blush.

After some more casual conversation, Astrid said, "I'll stay in Rivenwood for a while. Let's go shopping sometime."

Vivienne nodded. "Sure, just give me a call."