The Million-Dollar Heart

They stepped out of the study, and the living room on both floors was devoid of Vivienne and her entourage.

As they left, they weren't even graced with a goodbye from the butler.

Not a single servant was there to see them off, and the pair left the house with stone-cold expressions on their faces.

As they reached the yard, they were confronted by a man whose presence was as imposing as Thor himself, an aura of intimidation that made others shrink in fear.

Victoria's eyes widened at the sight of him. Before Harrison could notice her recognition, she quickly feigned confusion and even turned to ask Harrison, "Who is that guy? He's so full of himself. Haven't I seen him on TV or something?"

Arthur was approaching from the distance. His image sharpened in Harrison's eyes, who suddenly murmured in shock, "War God?"

A figure idolized by the younger generation in Veridia.

Harrison, in his youth, had fantasized about the glory of the battlefield, and thus remembered Arthur's name and face with striking clarity. He had even taken pride in having laid eyes on the War God himself. But those days of youthful folly had faded as he matured into adulthood.

Yet, what was the War God doing at the Ellington estate? Did he know Richard?!

"War God?!" Victoria exclaimed in feigned surprise.

Her shrill voice caused Arthur, who was briskly passing by, to halt and focus his gaze on the duo.

His piercing stare softened when it landed on Victoria and then shifted back to Harrison. "Is Percival around?"

There was a momentary hitch in Harrison's breath. "War God, you're here to see Percival?"

flicker of shock-or was it envy?-crossed Harrison's eyes. After a brief pause, he said, "Mr. Ellington is indeed here, but he

idea what he's babbling about?! Victoria was about to open her mouth to defend Percival when Harrison cast her a chilling glance, "Ms. Hawthorn is preoccupied with preparing for a court case

God should step aside

put his own concerns aside, now intrigued by

entrance, Harrison had regained his usual composed demeanor. He nodded politely at Arthur before explaining, "Ms. Hawthorn stubbornly believes I'm guilty, swayed by slander. She's convinced I'm a murderer and is determined to sue

as if deeply troubled, "I came here today, out of respect for Richard, to persuade her to drop the lawsuit, not to be misled

Victoria remained silent.

did Harrison have up

smile, not taking up the

plans with Vivienne and couldn't afford to falter

The trial is the day after tomorrow, and we need to get back to prepare our case! That Vivienne, the traitor! My mother is Percival's aunt, and if Vivienne won't respect Percival's wishes, why would she

she realize that her actions had just added another mark against

doting so excessively on such a

with calculation. "Perhaps, War God, you might

His goal was to tarnish Percival's image in Arthur's eyes. As long as that couple suffered,

At an upscale café.

stepped into the private room, removed his jacket, and draped it over the chair. "I heard the War God

no emotion. Cradling his cup, he looked at the coffee and replied in a calm voice, "It's not convenient

Winnie again?

flickered in Percival's

here he was, persistently bringing up Winnie and intent on

Percival probed nonchalantly, "May I ask, what is Miss Winnie to the War God? Perhaps

gestured dismissively, "I've already checked there. No leads