The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 1152

Godfrey nearly took a tumble down the stairs, if it hadn't been for the quick reflexes of James, the family butler, who steadied him just in time.

It was a close call, and they were all silently thankful that Vivienne was there; otherwise, the fate of their beloved great-grandson might have been sealed from the get-go.

By the time Vivienne and Percival got home, the kids were already asleep. Vivienne checked on them, pulling the blankets up to tuck them in before retiring for the night.

Lately, the kids hadn't had much of a chance to go out and have fun. Looking at their peaceful faces, Vivienne felt a surge of tenderness.

"Shall we head to bed?" Percival suggested, wrapping an arm around Vivienne's shoulder.

"How about we find some time to do something fun with the kids? They haven't been out in ages. We could hire a tutor to cover for us so we don't have to worry about their studies," Vivienne proposed.

"That sounds like a great idea. With the tutors taking care of things, we can have a worry-free trip," Percival agreed.

"What are you talking about?" Vivienne sighed, "I meant all of us together, not just the two of us."

Percival glanced at the kids, "They're old enough; why should they tag along with us?"

Vivienne raised an eyebrow, "Take another look at their faces and say that again."

Juliette and Isaiah, in unison: "Is there a chance we're not even ten yet?"

Percival seemed quite pleased with his own reasoning, earning a bemused shake of the head from Vivienne.

"Now that we're settled, what about the others? Especially Anna and Soren. They started off on the wrong foot and now Soren's acting like a block of wood," Vivienne mused.

Percival knew exactly who Vivienne was fretting over. He chuckled, turning Vivienne towards him, "Don't worry. They spend a lot of time together now. Plus, someone's been showing an interest in Anna lately. That'll give Soren a bit of a wake-up call."

Vivienne was surprised, "When did this happen? How come I didn't know?"

"Just the other day when you went back with Floyd. I stumbled upon it."

He had gone to check on the lab and saw a stranger standing outside. Initially mistaking him for a suspicious character, he was taken aback when Anna emerged to greet him warmly.

"What brings you here?" Anna's surprise at the man's visit was evident.

The man, Arnold Robinson, smiled warmly, handing her a bouquet of roses, "Just wanted to check on you. Noticed you haven't been returning my calls or messages lately."

The familiarity of their interaction surprised Percival and even more so Soren, who overheard the entire conversation.

"I've been swamped with the lab, barely had time to check my phone, sorry," Anna explained, slightly embarrassed.

"Don't be. I was just worried. I'll be around for a bit. Let's catch up when you're less busy?" Arnold suggested, always understanding.

After a brief chat, Anna escorted him to the door.