The Million-Dollar Heart

Sasha leaned on her hand with a smirk, grasping a first aid kit in the other, diligently applying ointment to Vivienne's bruised cheek.

Vivienne's lips, a shade of crimson, curled slightly. "This jacket of mine is barely holding together, might as well let him throw in the towel."

Sasha's brows knitted slightly at the comment, pressing a bit harder with the ointment. Vivienne hissed, "Geez, tough love! Got a husband and forgot your daughter, huh?"

"Zip it, or my hand might 'accidentally' slip, making you yelp in pain," Sasha retorted, pinching Vivienne's chin.

The banter went back and forth between the mother and daughter, with Vivienne occasionally dropping hints about her latest findings.

"Just the other day, I mentioned that case where the woman's heart was harvested. It wasn't an isolated incident; there have been disappearances elsewhere too. Yesterday, Mr. Wolf and I tracked a lead to a small town, and if I'm not mistaken, that place is swarming with snipers."

"What's odd, though, is that when Mr. Wolf and I entered, nobody took a shot at us. Logically, they should've taken us out on sight."

Sasha furrowed her brows, her tone grave, "You and Percival might be carrying something they need."

Vivienne seemed to agree with that theory. But what could it be that they needed?

Shifting gears, Vivienne dipped her finger in a glass of water, sketching symbols she recalled seeing in the town on the dining table.

Each symbol appeared simple yet was difficult to replicate accurately. She managed to draw them roughly on the table.

my visit to the town, I stumbled upon these symbols. Mom, do you recognize

of recognition crossing her features. "I think I've seen these symbols in a book before, but

time. It might take a while to dig that

nodded in understanding. "Thanks, Mom. I want to get to the

next move?" Arthur chimed in, entering

silent, her gaze shifting to the trays

slices of American toast topped with fried eggs and a generous squirt of ketchup, with

a bite. Truth be told, she

face for any sign of approval. Vivienne

asked, "How's the taste, sweetheart? If it's not

urged Vivienne for a

food. It's alright, but I have a soft spot for traditional meals." Arthur's heart leapt

chaos of his kitchen

toast and then starting on the second slice, her

albeit a simplified version. Vivienne separated the strawberry design with her

kitchen, returning with his attempt at a traditional breakfast and a jug

charred mass with her fork. "Is this

muttering, "It was supposed

the back. "You're just starting out. Keep practicing, and maybe get some tips from the chef. You'll get there!" As Sasha pushed a piece onto Vivienne's plate with a triumphant grin, implying there was no escaping this meal, Vivienne reluctantly took a sip of the

And as for this 'great task', I think it's best left to Comrades Arthur