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 Vivienne's sake, they couldn't just send him

have dinner first? We can always take notes

"I really

stopped him in his tracks. "What's that incredible

any specific cuisine. Just some homemade pasta with

it took to keep Arthur

and soy milk. Learning to cook Vivienne's favorite dishes could mean

just mean he'd have his beloved daughter eating out of the palm

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

Linklater, Vivienne really does love pasta. You're welcome to try

"Deal!"

only watch

god so hard to

she caught Arthur, all seriousness, learning the art

level of detail, the earnestness in his voice,

scene

his domesticated demeanor, made even Dorian, sitting opposite him, look more like a cutthroat

behind, paused at the entrance, half-expecting another change of plans. "Vivienne, Percival, it's getting late. Even workaholics

a knowing glance, Percival stepped aside, offering,

amiss, Leopold hesitated, his curiosity warring with caution.

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

back in.

cut short by a

"Vivienne!"

through his fingers, Leopold's jaw dropped.

you doing

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

could only shake her

were you planning to

serious, responded, "Of course not. If I dared stay out overnight, your mom would be here with a knife in twenty minutes.

and exasperation, couldn't bear to witness

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

to bring Arthur

already

back soon, the whole Linklater family would be in

I'll come by another time when I'm