The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Maddox was nodding so much it looked like his head might fall off.

Everyone else just stared in disbelief.

Vivienne couldn't help but mock, "How can Uncle Max shamelessly cling to Aunt Willa like that?"

Arthur chimed in, "Exactly! What kind of man hides behind his wife? It's embarrassing."

Vivienne retorted, "Like you're one to talk."

Arthur was left speechless.

The three Thompson brothers looked at Maddox with a mix of complexity and disdain.

Luke could barely eat, "Willa, we don't need this guy. I'll find someone better for you, someone smart who won't hold you back."

Fredrick, with the finesse of a magician, flicked a piece of fruit from the table, hitting Maddox squarely, "Stop sticking to Willa like glue. You're annoying."

Maddox's face was a mess of fruit juice.

He turned to Willa, playing the victim, "Willa, Fred is bullying me."

Fredrick rolled his eyes, hating snitches the most.

Jasper shot Maddox a warning look, "Cut it out. Don't you dare hurt Willa."

Seeing Maddox's pathetic state only made them feel more pity for Willa.

They thought anyone off the street would be better than him for their precious Willa.

Willa, feeling the love and care from her big brother, second brother, and youngest brother, felt warm inside. She knew her place in the family was no secret, but they never treated her differently. Instead, they cherished her as their own sister.

Years passed in a blur, her heart locked in childhood memories until Sasha returned, showing her that it was possible to live for herself.

She had always told herself that she owed her life to the Thompson family and should always put their interests first. But this time, she wanted to choose for herself.

Sasha, sensing Willa's emotions, shared a look that felt like a ray of sunshine piercing through the gloom, encouraging her, "Willa, do what you want to do."

For the first time in front of everyone, Willa spoke her mind, "Dad, big bro, second bro, and little bro, I chose to be with Max willingly. Please don't blame him."

Maddox was over the moon, vigorously nodding in agreement.

Jasper's face softened, a huge relief visible as he smiled, "Willa, as long as you're happy, that's all that matters. But if this kid ever makes you upset, just tell me, and I'll teach him a lesson!" Willa nodded, "No need, Dad. If he ever mistreats me, I'll handle it myself."

Maddox gulped, nervous.

Vivienne boasted, "That's my Willa."

Shifting gears, Sasha then shared some news with Jasper, "Dad, I've got some great news. The Ellingtons are coming to ask for a marriage."

Arthur was stunned, "Wife..."

Jasper gave him a sharp look before turning to his daughter with a smile, "That's wonderful. Percival is a fine young man. I approve."

Arthur felt left out, "Father-in-law, you're making this hard for me."

Just as they were getting over Willa and Maddox's decade-long love saga, news of Vivienne's upcoming wedding hit them.

The uncles and aunts were instantly excited.

Even Willa, holding hands with Maddox under the table, smiled warmly at Vivienne.

Carmen was beaming, "So, Vivienne's getting married! Have you decided on a date? Do you want a traditional or a modern wedding? Where's it going to be?"

Alice added, "Sis, these things should be the groom's worry. Our Vivienne just needs to be the beautiful bride and enjoy the day."

Zelda nodded, "As her family, we'll bring out our best treasures as wedding gifts. Your uncles have already prepared."

Maddox felt slighted, "Weren't we just saying we had nothing to give?"

Vivienne chuckled, "Thanks, but Mr. Wolf and I agreed on a simple wedding."

Luke frowned, "That won't do. Your mother's wedding was rushed, and we insisted on perfection. Your wedding has to be even more special."

Arthur found an ally and slammed his hand on the table, "Exactly! Sasha and I have only one daughter. We want a grand, dignified wedding for her. We won't accept anything less."

Vivienne wondered if her wishes were being steamrolled.

The consensus was clear: the wedding had to be grand and magnificent. If the Ellingtons couldn't afford it, the Thompsons would foot the bill. The uncles were adamant that Vivienne would have the wedding of her dreams.

Arthur was smug, convinced nothing was impossible with effort.

Returning home, Vivienne remained silent, giving Arthur a cold stare to decipher on his own.

Arthur, feeling guilty, looked to his wife for help, "Honey..."Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Sasha, ever so gentle, reassured, "Frost, your dad and uncles just want your wedding to be perfect. We can take more time to prepare. You and Percival aren't in a hurry." Vivienne was silent, her thoughts racing.

"You're such a mom!" Sasha exclaimed, half-joking, half-serious. "You've got a husband, and you still don't need your daughter!"

Just then, Vivienne's phone rang. It was Leopold Sterling on the line. "Vivienne, we were ambushed in the east end. Percival's car got blown up."

Vivienne's eyes narrowed as she quickly asked, "I'm on my way."

Overhearing the conversation, Sasha immediately told the driver to stop and offered their car to Vivienne, opting to ride in the backup vehicle, which was filled with party favors. Without a moment's hesitation, Vivienne took the keys and sped toward the east end.

There, near a roadside a hundred meters from the outskirts, stood Leopold, waving as Vivienne approached. "Vivienne, you made it. You have no idea, if it weren't for my quick reflexes..." Vivienne rushed out of the car and directly towards Percival, concern evident in her eyes. "Mr. Wolf, are you alright?"

Percival steadied her with a hand, a slight smile at the genuine worry in her gaze. "I'm fine, really. Check for yourself if you don't believe me."

Without waiting, Vivienne did just that.

Leopold couldn't help but interject, "Can we maybe finish what we're saying before getting cozy?"

Assured that Percival only had minor scratches, Vivienne finally relaxed and turned to Leopold. "What happened?"

Leopold had somewhat recovered

from the initial shock. "We got tipped

off about same suspicious activity

around here. Next thing we know we're ambushed with what seemed like mini bombs. The question is how they got their hands on such tech."

His expression darkened at the thought. Those devices were something Griffin had developed personally. If their attackers were linked with Griffin's creations, it could stir unnecessary speculation among higher-ups.

Vivienne understood his concerns,

glancing at the remnants of the

explosion. "These instant explosions might not necessarily be from mini bombs, It's also possible that

someone planted remote-controlled explosives on purpose."