The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 629

Vivienne blinked in confusion. "Mara? Who's that?"

As far as Vivienne was concerned, the name Mara had been flushed down the toilet long ago, just like yesterday's news.

The whole Boyd family had become invisible in Vivienne and Percival’s world, let alone Mara.

Their association with the Boyds had been as necessary as a fish needs a bicycle—completely irrelevant!

Isolde nodded emphatically. "Yes, Mara. Mom's niece, the one you've met before."

Vivienne was still clueless, but Percival recalled and said, "The girl from the second branch of the Boyd family."

"Huh?" Vivienne blinked, not following.

Percival chuckled helplessly and flicked Vivienne's forehead. "The one you said had a nose like a button mushroom."

"Oh!" Vivienne's face lit up with realization. "Isn't she supposed to be abroad? Why is she back?"

What Vivienne did not voice was, “How could she have the gall to show her face here again?”

But with Isolde present, such language was inappropriate.

The trio walked into the living room where Cecilia sat, looking somewhat apologetic.

"Mom, what's she doing here? Is something wrong?" Percival inquired.

He knew his mother well enough to realize that although she could be scatterbrained at times, she had a strong moral compass.

The Boyds had been nothing but trouble, and Mara had even tried to break him and Vivienne up—Cecilia would not forgive that lightly.

If Mara was now settling in at the Ellington Mansion, something must have gone seriously awry for Cecilia to soften her stance.

Cecilia shared Mara's experience. "I never thought things would turn out this way; I thought we'd gone our separate ways for good. But then this happened."

Cecilia glanced at Vivienne sheepishly, clearly embarrassed. She felt she had no right to face Vivienne.

Vivienne, however, was unfazed. Mara was never a central figure in her life, and Cecilia's sentiments had no bearing on her.

The aunt-niece dynamics were none of Vivienne's business.

"Cecilia, you make your own decision; don't mind me," Vivienne said with a smile, looking at Cecilia with a soft gaze.

Cecilia bit her lip, "Vivienne, I also..."

"Cecilia, Mara is your niece, after all, and probably the only family you have left. She's been close to you for many years, and whatever you decide, I won't object. Just follow your heart."

Cecilia's eyes welled up at Vivienne's words. "Vivienne, you can be sure I won't let Mara trouble you again. If she does, I'll deal with her. Thank you, Vivienne."

"No thanks needed."

“It's none of my business anyway.” The last thought was Vivienne's silent addition, mindful of Cecilia's dignity.