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?

know, or is he

for the lady of the

Vivienne tightened as he spoke softly, "Grapes aid digestion and ease

sensed the underlying message

strong stomach, so I don't need

"It's in heaven.

nearly choked on his own

he say

fruit, and now he's being sent to

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

feeling the heat, quickly pulled over to the curb and opened the door for Leopold, "This isn't on our way. You should get

was in disbelief, "Thomas, have you lost your mind, dropping me in the middle of nowhere..." Thomas, at his wit's

trouble, and you're

silent after Leopold was left

expression was unreadable, only Vivienne knew

solely for her, even

his face, sneaking a kiss on his cheek, "Leopold ate my

Vivienne, "..."

they didn't eat out, as Percival had

home, Vivienne changed and was about to freshen up when it suddenly began to

then back at Percival,

"Put on more layers if

you know

smiled, handing her a beautifully crafted box, "I've got everything prepared for you. Take

“Heavenly-Snow Lotus. Where

wasn't a big

Impressive!

She loved it!

next day, Percival and Vivienne visited

Jasper

Vivienne and Percival approached, they greeted

been a few

walked in, Percival never

box Vivienne was holding as soon as