The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Vivienne emerged from the lab only to find Percival, clad in a sleek black trench coat, giving Thomas sinstructions.

Not far off, Leopold leaned on his cane, clearly having just arrived with the others.

She walked over and took his arm, "Mr. Wolf, what brings you here?" Percival pulled her close, giving her a thorough once-over to ensure she was alright before he relaxed, "Cto pick you up. Are you tired at all?" Vivienne couldn't help but smile at his concern, "You know I'm tougher than I look. Besides, I didn't lift a finger in there. How could I possibly be tired?" Percival squeezed her hand gently, "That's exactly why I worry. If Thomas hadn't been there today, would you have jumped in yourself, etting our agreement last night?" Vivienne glanced at Leopold.

Leopold guiltily touched his nose.

When Percival had called to ask, he couldn't hide the truth.

Once they were back in the car, Percival, sitting in the backseat, asked Vivienne what she wanted to eat, offering to cook for her at home.

Seeing him dressed in a bespoke suit under his coat, Vivienne knew Mr. Wolf had made a special trip just for her, making her heart soften, "Let's not bother, eating out is fine." Percival hesitated for a moment, "I'm notfortable with outside food. Whatever you want, I can make it for you." Vivienne laughed lightly, "Mr. Wolf, we have all the tin the world. Are you sure you want to keep this up 24/7?" Leopold, overhearing their conversation and eager to regain Vivienne's trust, chimed in with a timely suggestion, “Percival, Vivienne, I know this cozy little bistro downtown. It's quiet, the food is clean and light. Perfect for you two." Percival gave Leopold a rare nod, "Send the location to Thomas." "Sure thing." Leopold quickly shared the location with Thomas on his phone, then, remembering something, turned to Vivienne, "Oh, by the way, where did you get that fruit salad today? Could you givethe shop's name? I'd like to get a membership for Griffin. She's not one for fuss, and it sounds just right for her." The air in the car turned icy.

Percival's lips curled slightly, "Was the fruit good?" Leopold nodded, "Yeah, quite fresh. The mix was good too, just too many grapes for my taste." Thomas only had one thought: Did Leopold have his brain numbed? Does he really not know, or is he pretending? The only person who prepares food for the lady of the house is Percival himself.

Percival's grip on Vivienne tightened as he spoke softly, "Grapes aid digestion and ease difort." Vivienne sensed the underlying message from Mr. Wolf.

Leopold, puzzled, scratched his head, “I have a pretty strong stomach, so I don't need that. But Vivienne, you didn't tellwhere the shop is. Is it far?" Percival scoffed, "It's in heaven. You planning a trip?" Leopold nearly choked on his own spit.

Did he say something wrong? Just asking about fruit, and now he's being sent to heaven! Not daring to probe Vivienne, Leopold turned to Thomas, "What's... what's going on with Percival?" Thomas, feeling the heat, quickly pulled over to the curb and opened the door for Leopold, "This isn't on our way. You should get out here." Leopold, staring at the vast countryside, was in disbelief, "Thomas, have you lost your mind, droppingin the middle of nowhere..." Thomas, at his wit's end, shoved him out.

Saving you trouble, and you're stillplaining.

The car fell silent after Leopold was left behind.

Percival's expression was unreadable, only Vivienne knew he was certainly not pleased.

He believed his cooking was solely for her, even Leopold wasn't an exception.

Vivienne gently touched his face, sneaking a kiss on his cheek, "Leopold ate my leftovers." Percival responded immediately, “Hmm, I'll make less next time." Vivienne, "..." In the end, they didn't eat out, as Percival had little faith in Leopold's rmendation.

Back home, Vivienne changed and was about to freshen up when it suddenly began to rain outside, the day darkening instantly. Vivienne looked outside then back at Percival, "Looks like a storm ising." Percival took her jacket, "Put on more layers if you're going out tomorrow.' Vivienne paused, "How did you know I have plans?" " Percival smiled, handing her a beautifully crafted box, "I've got everything prepared for you. Take it with you tomorrow." Opening it, Vivienne gasped, "Heavenly-Snow Lotus. Where did you find it?" Percival pulled her close, wiping her hands with a disinfectant wipe, “It wasn't a big deal. If your master likes it, then it's worth getting." Vivienne, "..." Impressive! She loved it! The next day, Percival and Vivienne visited the Perez family together.

This time, Finnian didn't avoid them, sitting openly with Jasper in the living room, playing chess and drinking tea.

As Vivienne and Percival approached, they greeted the two older men together, "Grandfather, Master." Jasper, all smiles, nodded in approval. It had only been a few days, but the couple seemed closer than ever.

From the moment he walked in, Percival never left Vivienne's side.

Finnian, on the other hand, had his eyes locked on the box Vivienne was holding as soon as she entered. His face lit up, "You little rascal, did you actually getthe Heavenly Snow Lotus?" Vivienne snorted, "Didn't you say if I didn't bring anything, I shouldn't expect to get any information from you?" Jasper was sitting nearby, and Finnian's face turned a shade paler but he laughed it off, "I was just kidding, you know." Vivienne nodded seriously and began to take the box back, "Is that so? Since my dear mentor doesn't really want it, I guess I'll just take it back." After all, she was taught from a young age to save the best things for her loved ones, and that included her dear mentor. "Wait, wait, wait!" Finnian panicked, "I said it was for me, how can you go back on your word?" Jasper couldn't stand it anymore and shook his head, speaking to Vivienne withpassion, "Vivienne, your grandpa might not have much, but I have a warehouse full of things similar to this.e take a look with me, pick whatever you like, it's yours." Finnian was speechless.

Talk about being generous, offering a whole warehouse just like that. Why not share sof it with him? Vivienne and Percival exchanged a smile, "Grandpa, I don't need anything." His granddaughter, Vivienne Perez, should never have to suffer this kind of indignity.

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