The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne)

Hearing this, Yorick finally lifted his head slightly, a look of approval flashing in his eyes, "Alright, Percival, with your word, I can rest easy knowing my granddaughter is in good hands."

"As for the dowry the Ellington family has provided, the Linklaters will match it, and then some. The specifics can be discussed between your parents."

"There's just one thing I insist on: my granddaughter's wedding must be grand. And if she suffers the slightest injustice after marriage, the Linklaters will not stand for it. You'd better be prepared for that." Standing up, the years of authority Yorick held were unmistakable in that moment.

Should Percival harbor any ill intentions, he would face the full wrath of the Linklater family.

Percival remained composed, his gaze steadfast, "Grandfather, rest assured, Vivienne is my treasure. I will always put her before myself, no matter what happens, I'll be there to protect her."

Hearing this, Yorick's imposing aura faded, turning to chat and laugh with Richard beside him, "Well, it looks like everything is settled. Let's leave the rest to the younger generation. We can't be meddling in their affairs too much."

Richard, smiling broadly, stood up, joining in, "Why don't we old fellows go and play a game of chess, relax a bit? It's been so long, I'm almost rusty."

"Let's see about that."

With that, the two headed to the backyard.

Leaving Arthur and Sasha, along with a welcoming Nathan and Cecilia, "In-laws, if there's anything else you need adjusted, just say the word. We'll treat Vivienne as our own daughter, she won't suffer any indignities."

Arthur, "..."

Gone was the glare he had just moments ago.

Sasha shook her head with a smile, indicating to Nathan and Cecilia that everything was more than satisfactory.

Then, turning to Percival standing by, "Percival, go find Vivienne. These matters can be settled by us adults."

Percival nodded, casting a glance at his parents.

Cecilia winked at her son, "Go on, spend some time with Vivienne."

Such a perfect bride, she was determined to welcome her into the Ellington family.

No one could deny her the joy of being this mother-in-law.

When Percival found the trio admiring flowers, they had already moved away from the lotus pond.

As they walked through the corridor, they coincidentally bumped into Isolde.

Holly, seizing the moment, pulled Isolde in another direction, leaving the young couple some privacy, "I'll take Isolde for a walk, you two have a good chat."

Vivienne was momentarily stunned, feeling oddly like they were sneaking around before their wedding.

But the sight of Mr. Wolf approaching in a sleek suit made her heart skip a beat all over again.

Her Mr. Wolf always shined so brightly in her eyes.

Vivienne looked up, resting in Percival's embrace, admiring his profile, "How did you manage to convince my four uncles? They're not as easily swayed as my dad."

Percival teased her, "Guess?"

Vivienne raised an eyebrow, "Did you charm my four aunts?"

Though her third uncle and Willa were not yet married, in Vivienne's heart, Willa was already an aunt.

Percival laughed, "Not exactly charm. I just made sure to appeal to their interests, and I made promises to each aunt to win their approval."

Vivienne was genuinely surprised Mr. Wolf would go to such lengths for their wedding.

Amused and touched at the same time, she asked, "Mr. Wolf, aren't you afraid of being hazed by my uncles at family gatherings, getting tricked into drinking too much?" Percival gently rested his chin on Vivienne's shoulder, "Not worried, I have you."

Vivienne smiled, "I'll protect you!"

The joy in Percival's eyes was nearly overflowing.

At noon.

Yorick hosted a feast for the Ellington family.

With the wedding settled, joy was evident on everyone's faces.

Yorick sent for Hailey, stating that as an elder, it was proper to attend such an important occasion, both as a rule and as a sign of respect for the family.

However, the servant returned with the message that Hailey claimed to be unwell and would not attend.

Yorick looked displeased, such a significant event and she chose not to attend, displaying a lack of elder's awareness.

Sasha stepped forward to calm him, suggesting not to dwell on it.

Having Hailey present might ruin the meal, and Sasha didn't want to spoil this beautiful moment, especially not in front of the in-laws.

Arthur agreed with his wife,

comforting, "Dad, this is a

celebration for both our families.

Having you, mom, and Sasha here is

enough. Richard is waiting for you,

don't keep him waiting."

Ever since a previous incident, Arthur had lost all familial affection for his aunt.

Tolerating her presence was only out of respect for Yorick.

As Vivienne and Percival joined the families at the dining table, engaging in lively conversations, it was a scene of harmony.

Percival took a seat among the guests.

Vivienne sat next to Sasha and Arthur.

Catching the blush and slightly swollen lips on their daughter, Sasha discreetly squeezed her hand under the table, chiding softly, "No dignity, missing him that much already?" Vivienne's face regained composure, "We're in the same boat, no judging."

Sasha huffed, feeling it was only natural, "Your father and I were apart for over a decade. It's normal to miss each other. It'd be strange not to."

Vivienne, "

Always ready to flaunt their love!

Sasha: Aren't you the same?

Vivienne: ...

As everyone settled into their seats, Percival poured a glass of wine and stood up to toast Arthur, "Thank you for entrusting Vivienne to me. I promise to take good care of her, and to honor your role in her dife as well."

...

Arthur really didn't want to drink that toast.

This kid wasn't making a promise; it felt more like he was rubbing salt in Arthur's wounds.

Percival didn't press, merely waiting patiently.

Yorick cleared his throat once, then again, before finally losing patience and scolding, "Arthur, Percival's offering a toast. How long are you going to keep up this act of defiance?" Arthur, "..."

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I've already agreed to let him marry my daughter, and now I'm not allowed a bit of dignity?

Percival, catching a glimpse of Arthur's thoughts, said, "Don't worry. When you and your mentor have passed on, I'll spare no expense in laying you to rest together in a grand manner!" Arthur, "!!!"

Richard nearly spit out his drink, smacking Percival on the head, "What are you on about?!"

This kid was missing a beat. Who talks about funeral arrangements on such a joyous occasion?

Arthur, grinding his teeth, retorted,

"You better remember your words

today. If you don't lay me to rest beside your mother-in-law a hundred years from now, I'll fight the devil himself, take over his job, and rewrite your fate to ensure you join me down there!"

Percival, "..."

Miscalculation!