The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

"Let's head inside and talk," Percival said, pulling Vivienne along and gesturing towards the three waiting at the door.

As soon as they entered, Leopold was the first to dash to the couch, sighing with relief. "Vivienne, you have no idea how long we've been standing outside. My legs are killing me." Vivienne leaned against the back of the sofa, giving him a sideways glance. "Thomas has been standing just as long as you have. Are you the only one who's tired?"

Leopold chuckled awkwardly, "Not tired, not tired at all!"

He knew better than to complain. Vivienne would probably have him copying lines from some ancient book all night.

Vivienne simply rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore him.

Percival fetched a box of chamomile tea from the cupboard, prepared a few cups, and placed them on the coffee table. He handed one to Vivienne, saying, "Chamomile tea, to help you relax."

A smile spread across her face as she took a sip, "Not bad. Always the thoughtful one, Mr. Wolf."

Holding his own cup, Leopold took a sip before diving into the conversation. "The Grimshaw family has been dealt with. The authorities acted swiftly, and a secret trial was held. Ethan Grimshaw was sentenced to death!"

Vivienne nodded in approval. Considering all the harm Ethan had inflicted, it was a fitting end.

Leopold continued, more seriously now, "As for the rest of the Grimshaws, Oliver and Asher received ten-year sentences. Considering their cooperation and their financial contributions to the nation, it's a significant fall from grace."

"The Grimshaws will no longer hold their esteemed position. After ten years, they'll just be another ordinary family."

Anna frowned, "Only ten years?"

Vivienne explained, "Oliver was unaware of Ethan's actions. Despite their methods, the Grimshaws supported many crucial operations. If not for their betrayal, they would've remained a powerful family." "And the Grimshaw family has offered to surrender their heirloom, the Millennia Aegis," added Leopold.

Vivienne's eyes sparkled, and Percival casually squeezed her hand, both sharing a moment of silent understanding.

"The Grimshaws are down, but Abigail, the woman behind them, remains at large," Thomas said gravely.

rat will eventually find its way into the cat's jaws," Vivienne said lazily, her legs crossed. She

with Mara had distracted them from settling scores

the Abernathys after the Grimshaws fell. Thanks to your foresight, we managed to save Gavin Abernathy with the help of the Nine Mystics Society. He's quite

Vivienne to Percival,

Vivienne's gaze, Percival looked at her, his eyes twinkling. He caressed her cheek, "Gavin's fear is premature. He has yet to pay for his

Abernathy family!" Percival

"Why me? Thomas is here

"You have

looked to Vivienne, who simply echoed, "You have a problem

internally, "Can I

expressions said it all - he was out of options. In his mind, he

can

you two is like

wronged by fate, reluctantly agreed

Thomas stifled his chuckles, careful not to show

the grand Abernathy

in the main hall's

and Victoria Abernathy to the left, and Madeline

since the attempt on

he narrowly survived, he's

every nerve tight, fearing the slightest inattention might

fingertips trembled slightly, as if he had lost his soul, lost in

his view, lifting

The inevitable had arrived.

at home as

people against me in court,