The Million-Dollar Heart

Percival wrapped his arm around Vivienne's waist, trailing behind Sasha and Arthur. Watching the couple ahead share tender moments, a pang of envy crept into Percival's heart.

As they walked, Percival's firm grip on Vivienne's waist halted her steps. She turned her head, her expression a mix of confusion and warmth, and softly asked, "Mr. Wolf, why have we stopped?"

Percival drew her under a canopy of white jasmine, his handsome features illuminated by the moonlight, his voice husky, "Are you staying at the Linklater estate tonight?"

Vivienne had been staying there for the past few days. Since their heartfelt reunion, she and Percival had been spending their nights apart. Glancing at his striking figure, she teased, "Or perhaps I should visit your villa?"

Desire flickered in Percival's eyes as he pressed closer, pinning her against the garden's white fence, "That won't do. You're under the watchful eyes of the Linklater estate."

He was well aware of Vivienne's boldness, especially since she was new to the estate. There were undoubtedly those amongst them with less than pure intentions.

Vivienne narrowed her eyes, understanding his hint at Dracon, her gaze sharp yet playful, "Let them watch. It's more concerning if they didn't."

Percival chuckled deeply, adoration in his laughter, "Always the strategist."

Vivienne arched an eyebrow, her eyes twinkling with mischief, "Me? I'm just a kindly soul."

her nose with his finger, "Indeed, the kindest of all." With that, he pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss, their breath

for me tonight," she

nodded, "I'll

parting ways, Vivienne headed to her

to her, worry clouding his face. After a moment's hesitation, he followed her inside, closing

his concerns, invited him to sit, "Take

sat down, his voice cautious, "You and Percival, have

mind, her thoughts wandering to his muscular physique until she choked on her drink. Clearing her mind, she faced Arthur, "Everything has happened." "What?!" Arthur exclaimed, shocked by her candidness, his regret palpable for

glanced at

"What objections could I possibly have?

with a nod, her tone calm, "I know

special blend of oils for a beauty soak. As

swift, his presence enveloping the room. Their greeting

quickening, decided instead to wrap her in another layer of

and coy, suggested, "Might as well cover my face, so you

resting