The Million-Dollar Heart

Aaron eyed Kenneth with a frosty gaze.

"Spit it out. I don't have all day for your blather," he said, not in the mood for Kenneth's usual nonsense.

Kenneth fell silent momentarily, then muttered, "Word on the street is you played the hero for Vivienne. Right now, my brother Percival is probably playing doctor with her in the hospital room; might as well be swapping spit already."

Aaron bolted upright, nearly tearing his stitches. "What did you say? Vivienne is so young. Has Percival no shame?"

"Oh, don't pin it on my brother. It's Vivienne who's been throwing herself at him!" Kenneth's face darkened instantly.

"Bullshit!" Aaron snapped back.

"I don't spout crap like you do!" Kenneth retorted coldly.

Aaron took a breath, trying to keep his cool. "What exactly do you want to tell me?"

Kenneth glanced back at the closed door of the ward, then leaned in closer to Aaron as if sharing a secret.

Aaron pushed him away, disgusted. "We're alone in here. Just get to the point."

"What if we team up to keep Vivienne away from my brother? What do you say?" Kenneth was not skulking around anymore; he had had this idea for quite some time.

Aaron's actions had proved his deep feelings for Vivienne, making him the perfect ally in Kenneth's plot to break her away from Percival.

Aaron eyed Kenneth skeptically. "Team up? How?"

They whispered back and forth until Mark strolled in with a doctor.

Kenneth's presence surprised Mark as much as Bennett and the others earlier.

"Kenneth, here to see Aaron, are you? Thanks for caring," Mark said, the picture of warmth.

it was Kenneth's cue to leave without making

slapped Aaron on the shoulder, "No need for formalities, we're all

him

pulled back his hand, shooting Aaron meaningful glances, his eyes saying, "Don't forget

wondering if teaming

then," Kenneth said, exiting

doctor gave Aaron a thorough check before Mark finally

concern. "Don't be so reckless next time. What

Vivienne's safety? That's what matters most," Aaron said nonchalantly, seeing his father more as a means to an end to become

"Still, you're not the one to protect her. No more

argue further, as he never intended to heed

month is Richard's birthday bash, right?" Aaron

temper softened. "Yes, what

you," Aaron said, a subtle

"You want

just stick around school forever, can I? You said networking is essential, right?" Aaron challenged, "Or do

birthday was a grand affair in the Ellington

made the list, and many

had never shown interest before, but now he was keen to attend, surprising and delighting Mark, who

closed the topic and rested his

wanted to talk more, but seeing his son's disinterest, he stayed silent, aware that Aaron was

was discharged from the hospital after only two days, and he would have left sooner if Vivienne had not insisted he stay. Thomas needed more time to heal, and even though Vivienne had mended his leg, proper rest was critical to avoid future complications. With Thomas indisposed,

Mr. Ellington? Are

"What's the problem? You used to drive before,

away Vivienne. Now that I know, you expect me to..." He suddenly

watch them

His patience had limits!

restraint not to

now to