The Million-Dollar Heart

Percival glanced at Heloise, his long fingers fussing over a wrinkled cuff, his thin lips curled in a half-smile that was more sly than joyful.

Anxious at his silence, Heloise blurted, "Would you just say something? Your granddad's in a bad way, and you're still as cool as a cucumber? He really wasted his affection on you."

Percival's eyes lifted slightly, speaking leisurely, "The bracelet from Vivienne is fine."

Heloise was unconvinced, retorting, "Just because you say it's fine, it's fine? Calista, please, take a look for us. This can't be genuine. I always doubted that girl could get her hands on something from Specter Healer!"

Calista eyed Percival, who showed no reaction, and she gently suggested, "Mr. Ellington, perhaps it would be best if I take a look. What do you think?"

Heloise interjected, "Calista, never mind him. Just check it. If it's a fake, toss it right away!" Henry was getting impatient; this was a rare opportunity.

If he could use this chance to take Percival down, it would be his family's moment to shine!

Calista examined and sniffed it, her expression growing worse by the second.

"What's the matter?" Heloise demanded. "Calista, please speak up."

Calista sighed heavily, then said, "There's not much wrong with the bracelet itself, but..."

"Out with it already. You're killing me here!" Heloise urged.

Fiona tugged at Heloise's arm. "Mom, calm down. Let Calista explain. What's going on?"

Calista pressed her lips. "At first glance, this bracelet seems to be from Specter Healer, but it's all wrong on closer inspection. Moreover, the materials inside are nothing but residue-useless and potentially harmful. They could exacerbate old ailments and cause various complications in the elderly."

Heloise gasped. "I knew it! That Vivienne is nothing but trouble! Using this trash to harm our family patriarch is outrageous! This is as bad as murder!"

Henry's anger was palpable. "She must pay for this. That wretched girl, I'll take her to the police myself and make sure she never sees the light of day again!" He roared, ready to charge out, looking every bit the avenger wronged by Vivienne.

back. "Dad, maybe Vivienne was duped too. Don't

set on settling

Suddenly!

grabbed him, and Henry found himself lifted into the air, then unceremoniously dumped

screamed,

here you are,

he took

with the bracelet?" He asked, eyes cold as

not expected Percival to throw Henry down the stairs over a mere insult. Besides, it was

indignant. "Mr. Ellington, the bracelet is problematic. It's what triggered your grandfather's illness. I think

profound meaning,

to the Ellington Mansion swung open, and Vivienne strode in with a box of strawberry cheesecake in hand, paying no mind to Henry's groans on the floor, heading straight upstairs. "Mr. Wolf, I brought you some strawberry cheesecake today." Vivienne appeared in high spirits, her

the cheesecake to Percival, her gaze flitted towards

Fiona's stunned expression only deepened

aback.

she not

shock, "Percival, I'll leave you to handle

careful on the road. I heard there's been an accident

careful." Vivienne's gaze penetrated deeply,

unsettled by Vivienne's captivating eyes, looked away. "I...I have to

Henry to Heloise, and

dialed a number repeatedly on the road, but

on the

busy tone from the car's speaker system infuriated