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 some instructions.

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, "Came to 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, forgetting 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 not comfortable with outside food. Whatever you want, I can make it for you."

Vivienne laughed lightly, "Mr. Wolf, we have all the time in 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 give me the 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?

really not know, or is

for the

grip on Vivienne tightened as he spoke softly, "Grapes aid digestion

underlying message

his head, "I have a pretty strong stomach, so I don't need that. But Vivienne, you didn't tell me where

scoffed, "It's in heaven. You planning

on his own

say something

asking about fruit, and now

turned to Thomas, "What's... what's going

opened the door for Leopold, "This isn't on our way.

your mind, dropping me in the

you trouble, and you're still

car fell silent after

was unreadable, only Vivienne

believed his cooking was solely for her, even Leopold wasn't

his face, sneaking a kiss on his cheek, "Leopold ate my leftovers." Percival responded immediately, "Hmm,

Vivienne, "..."

they didn't eat out, as Percival had little faith in

about to freshen up when it suddenly began to rain outside, the

back at Percival, "Looks

took her jacket, "Put on more layers

paused, "How did you

beautifully crafted box, "I've got everything prepared for you. Take it with you

“Heavenly-Snow Lotus. Where

her hands with a disinfectant wipe, "It wasn't a big deal. If your master

Impressive!

She loved it!

and Vivienne visited the

sitting openly with Jasper in the living room,

greeted the two

all smiles, nodded in approval. It had only been a few days, but

moment he walked in, Percival

as soon as she