The Million-Dollar Heart novel Chapter 866

Victoria couldn't believe how unforgiving Richard was, refusing to forgive her mother. Desperate, she was about to leave with Holly when Percival shot her a look, halting her steps.

"Who said you could leave? I just said you owe Victoria the most. If you leave now, isn't that just going to make her suffer more out there?"

Holly froze, disbelief lifting her gaze.

Richard's eyes were filled with sorrow as he looked at her. "Seeing you like this partly falls on me. I've taught you so much but failed to teach you the most important lesson - how to judge character."

"You're my only daughter. I failed as a father, and the guilt has been eating at me for years. When I meet your mother again, she'll surely blame me and not want to see me."

By the last sentence, thinking of his beloved wife, Richard couldn't hold back his tears anymore.

Not only had he failed Holly, but he also hadn't looked after Fiona and Flynn, his grandchildren.

Holly, in a rush, stumbled towards Richard with Percival's support. She threw herself into Richard's arms, "Dad, mom wouldn't blame you. It's all my fault."

"Now, you take Victoria and kneel at your mother's memorial. Acknowledge your roots!"

"From now on, you're part of the Ellington family, with no ties to the Abernathy family!" Richard proclaimed loudly.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Holly and Victoria knelt at the family shrine, signifying Holly's return to the family. From now on, she and Victoria were part of the family, beyond reproach.

Vivienne's lips curled up slightly, seeing Richard finally at peace.

She glanced at Percival, whose eyes were filled with tenderness.

He gently squeezed Vivienne's hand, playing with it gently.

Richard, worn out by the night's emotional rollercoaster and unable to keep up, left them with one last request, "Set up a room for Holly and Victoria. Victoria, take good care of your mother."

The next day.

Vivienne stirred into Percival's embrace.

Percival propped himself up, his deep, dark eyes looking at her with a mix of affection and desire.

Vivienne, her cheeks flushed from his gaze, buried her face into his chest then looked up again.

Percival chuckled softly, "Looks like I let you off too easy last night, waking up this early."

Vivienne, finding a comfortable position, grumbled, "My phone kept ringing, so annoying."

Percival tapped her nose, smiling, "Next time, leave it by me. I'll take care of it."

When Percival and Vivienne arrived at the Linklater family's residence, the security was as strict as ever, scanning them before letting them in.