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?"

nodded, and a flicker of shock-or was it envy?-crossed Harrison's eyes. After a brief pause, he said, "Mr. Ellington is indeed here, but he might not have the time to meet with

when Harrison cast her a chilling glance, "Ms. Hawthorn is preoccupied with preparing for a court case the

War God should step aside in the face of family

on his heel, seeming to put

Hawthorn stubbornly believes I'm guilty, swayed

here today, out of respect for Richard, to persuade her to drop the lawsuit, not to be misled by

Victoria remained silent.

have up his sleeve that she

awkward smile, not taking up

and couldn't afford to falter

need to get back to prepare our case! That Vivienne, the traitor! My mother is

expression, nor did she realize that her actions had just added another mark against Vivienne in Arthur's mental ledger:

doting so excessively on such a woman, granting her every privilege

glinting with calculation. "Perhaps, War God, you might try your luck inside. Victoria and I will take our

had with Percival?! His goal was to tarnish Percival's image in Arthur's eyes. As long as that couple suffered, it would ease

At an upscale café.

removed his jacket, and draped it over the chair. "I heard

looked at the coffee and replied in a calm voice, "It's not convenient to discuss matters at home. I asked you before about Winnie. Has your

Winnie again?

in

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

a pause, Percival probed nonchalantly, "May I ask, what is Miss Winnie to the War God? Perhaps I could inquire further with

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