The Million-Dollar Heart

Percival's car was bulletproof, a rolling fortress that ensured their safety amid the chaos.

Hunkered down beside the vehicle, Vivienne and Percival awaited the right moment to make a break for it.

But Astrid and Alfred were left without adequate cover, squatting behind another car that was riddled with bullet holes and leaking oil, a ticking time bomb waiting to ignite.

Inside the car, Cordelia was in hysterics, but Vivienne had locked the doors for safety, trapping her within.

"Astrid! Vivienne!" Dorian shouted, rolling down the window halfway, "What in the world is happening? Why are there gunshots?"

Vivienne pushed Dorian's head back inside, yelling, "Get down!"

Observing their surroundings, Percival realized they were sitting ducks - they had come for a birthday celebration, not a gunfight, and were unarmed against the hidden assailants. Their only chance was to pile into his car and get out of there.

However, Astrid and Alfred were at a distance, and rescuing them was no simple task, not to mention the car was already packed to the brim.

As the gunfire continued, Vivienne took charge, instructing Dorian through the window, "Dad, get Thaddeus down by the passenger side footwell. You hold Mom and squeeze in. Hurry!"

Dorian nodded rapidly, thankful Thaddeus was small enough to wiggle into the tight space. Once settled, Vivienne swung open the door and slid into the driver's seat, with Percival following and shielding Thaddeus.

Vivienne honked twice, signaling to Astrid, who pointed out a route to save them with a circular hand motion.

With a twist of the ignition, Vivienne floored the accelerator, using the bulk of the car to block incoming bullets as Astrid and Alfred dodged the remaining gunfire.

Reaching a rendezvous point, Dorian, flustered by the chaos, forgot to open the door. Astrid leaped through the window, opened the door, and yanked Alfred inside before slamming it shut.

rear-view mirror to see several assailants emerge from the shadows, grenades in hand, hurling them

on tight!" She yelled, spinning the car around with a deft wheel

toward the scattering foes, not sparing a single one. The car struck with such force sending them tumbling through the air before

Thaddeus gripped Percival tightly, witnessing a man sprawled across

instructed, sheltering Thaddeus's head as he spotted a

narrow for the car to pursue,

opened the car door, carrying Thaddeus

in the blink of an eye,

the aftermath, Vivienne jumped out, dragging the groggy assailant off the hood and swiftly applying pressure points to

uncontrollably. They had never experienced anything

however, was very calm and collected. She even helped Alfred attend to his

on the window and said,

glances before joining Vivienne and

"Holy smokes, that was like a scene straight out

Vivienne responded, "I'm fine. Take these guys away

if I

Percival retorted with a smirk. This Leopold was really dull. He had

and called for backup. While waiting, he could not help but notice Astrid's and Alfred's composure

to offer

to Cordelia, who waved and rejected it because

pill, noting the need for later counseling. Otherwise,