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.

to learn, and for Vivienne's sake, they couldn't just send

dinner first? We can always

"I really should

from the kitchen stopped him in his tracks. "What's that incredible smell? What kind of cuisine

plight in an instant, laughed. "It's not any specific

was all it took to keep

mochi and soy milk. Learning to cook Vivienne's favorite dishes could mean getting her to beg

he'd have his beloved daughter eating

himself inching back to the dining table.

earnestly. "Mr. Linklater, Vivienne

"Deal!"

could only watch

was this god so

inside when she caught Arthur, all seriousness, learning

earnestness in his voice, you'd

Vivienne, the scene

demeanor, made even Dorian, sitting opposite him, look more like a cutthroat professional by comparison. The tension was so thick; it was hard to swallow

half-expecting another change of plans. "Vivienne, Percival, it's getting

knowing glance, Percival stepped aside, offering,

warring with caution. "Nothing... inappropriate going on,

with this couple had taught him to be wary. "You know, I just remembered

dragged him back in. "I

protest was cut short by a familiar

"Vivienne!"

fingers, Leopold's

are you doing

for Vivienne, his eyes lighting up. "My precious girl, you're here! Did you come to fetch me because I

only shake her head at her father's

hadn't come, were you

I dared stay out overnight, your mom would be here with a knife in twenty minutes. You know I can't outrun

bear to witness any more of their

inside where Dorian and

had to bring

already

bring him back soon, the whole Linklater family would be in

it's too late tonight. I'll come by another time when I'm