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.

learn, and for

have dinner first?

standing up, hesitated. "I really should

in his

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

it took to keep

brown sugar mochi and soy

have his beloved daughter eating out of the

planning to leave in the first place, found himself inching back to the dining

nodded earnestly. "Mr. Linklater, Vivienne really does love

"Deal!"

could only watch

so hard to

caught Arthur, all seriousness, learning the art of perfect pasta from

voice, you'd think they were

Vivienne, the scene

cutthroat professional by comparison. The tension was so thick; it was

paused at the entrance, half-expecting another change of plans. "Vivienne, Percival, it's

knowing glance, Percival stepped aside, offering, "Be

something amiss, Leopold hesitated, his curiosity warring with caution.

had taught him to be wary. "You know,

dragged him back in. "I didn't

was cut short by a familiar

"Vivienne!"

fingers, Leopold's jaw dropped.

are you doing

eyes lighting up. "My precious girl, you're

only shake her head

come, were you

overnight, your mom would be here with a knife in twenty minutes.

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

headed inside where Dorian and Cordelia were waiting, hoping

had to bring Arthur

already started asking around

the whole Linklater family would be in

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