The Million-Dollar Heart

Seeing the whole spectacle unfolding, Cordelia nearly burst into laughter, quickly covering her mouth and shooting Dorian a significant look that screamed, "You better spill the beans!" She then hurried off to the kitchen to whip up some dinner.

And of course, she didn't miss the opportunity to snap a photo and send it to Vivienne.

At that moment, Vivienne was racing back from another location, having just discovered another female victim.

Like the others, her heart had been gruesomely removed.

And again, she was a young woman.

The message made Vivienne's lips twitch involuntarily. Turning to Leopold, who was driving, she commanded, "Forget going back to the Linklaters'. Head to the Brooks' place."

Without missing a beat, Leopold made a quick U-turn, his compliance shining through. "Sure thing. And I've been craving some of Cordelia's cooking. Moving that body was a real workout." Thomas, sitting quietly beside them, couldn't help but wonder, "Are these two even related?"

Percival, wrapping his arm around Vivienne's waist, asked softly, "What's going on?"

Struggling to explain the bizarre situation, Vivienne simply handed her phone over to him.

Percival's brow twitched in disbelief before he chuckled, "Now, that's something you don't see every day."

He then added with a smirk, "Seems like your dad's really putting in the effort."

Vivienne knew exactly why Arthur was at the Brooks' place, which only added to her frustration. "I just hope he doesn't scare Dorian or Cordelia. Especially Dorian. He's not exactly the bravest."

An hour later.

Dorian, overwhelmed by Arthur, who had meticulously noted down even the casual conversations he had with Vivienne, started to believe Arthur's genuine interest in learning.

But the intensity of this War God's enthusiasm was more than Dorian could handle.

Now, he just wanted to escape.

Vivienne was his only hope.

Just as Dorian was about to text her for rescue, Arthur's voice cut through again.

"Mr. Hawthorn, when you said Vivienne doesn't like being hugged, what kind of hug were you referring to?"

Dorian was speechless.

When Cordelia entered from the kitchen, she found Dorian sending her desperate SOS signals with his eyes. She chose to ignore them.

all, Arthur had come all this way to learn, and for Vivienne's sake, they couldn't just send him away

don't we have dinner first?

"I really should be getting back to

aroma coming from the kitchen stopped him in his tracks. "What's that incredible smell?

laughed. "It's not any specific cuisine.

last comment was all it took to

that morning when she tasted his homemade brown sugar mochi and soy milk. Learning to cook Vivienne's favorite dishes could mean getting her to beg him to

he'd have his beloved daughter eating out

first place, found himself inching back to the dining table.

nodded earnestly. "Mr. Linklater, Vivienne really does love pasta. You're welcome to try it

"Deal!"

only watch

god so hard to send

all seriousness, learning

the earnestness in his voice, you'd think

scene was

Dorian, sitting opposite him, look more like a cutthroat professional

at the entrance, half-expecting another change of plans. "Vivienne, Percival,

glance, Percival stepped aside, offering, "Be

hesitated, his curiosity warring with

the uptake, but past experiences with this couple had

him back in. "I didn't

protest was cut short by a

"Vivienne!"

Leopold's jaw dropped. "War... War

you

precious girl, you're here! Did you come to fetch me because

shake her head

hadn't come, were you

ever serious, responded, "Of course not. If I dared stay out overnight, your mom would

between amusement and exasperation, couldn't bear to witness any more of their

she headed inside where Dorian and Cordelia were waiting, hoping she'd stay for

knew she had to bring Arthur

already started asking around for

the

late tonight. I'll come by another