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?"

eyes. After a brief pause, he said, "Mr. Ellington is indeed

Percival when Harrison cast her a chilling glance, "Ms. Hawthorn is preoccupied with preparing for a court case the day after tomorrow, and Mr. Ellington is assisting. He doesn't even have a moment to spare for a chat with Victoria, his own

even the revered War God should step aside in the face

heel, seeming to put his own concerns aside, now intrigued by the lawsuit Harrison mentioned.

short walk from 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 determined to sue

to drop the lawsuit, not to be misled by deceit. But

Victoria remained silent.

have up his sleeve that she was

offered an awkward smile, not taking up the

and

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

nor did she realize that her actions had just added another mark against Vivienne in Arthur's

Ellington family been cursed for doting so excessively on such

calculation. "Perhaps, War God, you might try your luck

to tarnish Percival's image in Arthur's eyes. As

At an upscale café.

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

a calm voice, "It's not convenient to

Winnie again?

in

God was a paragon of virtue, shunning the company of women, yet here he was, persistently bringing up Winnie and intent on finding her. "Vivienne has never

ask, what is Miss Winnie to the War God? Perhaps I could inquire further with

need." Arthur gestured dismissively, "I've already checked