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?"

it envy?-crossed Harrison's eyes. After a brief pause, he said, "Mr. Ellington is

any 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 the day after

revered War God should step aside in the face of family

his heel, seeming to put his own concerns aside, now intrigued by

the study to the front 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

Richard, to persuade her to drop the lawsuit, not to be misled by deceit. But she wouldn't listen and

Victoria remained silent.

have up his sleeve that

awkward smile, not

Vivienne and couldn't afford to

anger, "Enough! 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

didn't notice the shift in Arthur's expression, nor did she realize that her actions had just added another mark against Vivienne in Arthur's mental ledger: disrespectful, domineering, and stubborn -

been cursed for doting so excessively on such a woman, granting

caught the change in Arthur's expression, his eyes glinting with calculation. "Perhaps, War God, you might try your luck inside. Victoria and I will take our

to tarnish Percival's image in Arthur's eyes. As long as that couple suffered, it would

At an upscale café.

removed his jacket, and draped it over the chair.

at the coffee and replied in a calm voice, "It's not convenient to discuss matters at

Winnie again?

in

was a paragon of virtue, shunning the company of women, yet here he was, persistently bringing up Winnie and intent on

is Miss Winnie

"I've already checked there.