The Million-Dollar Heart

On the way back, Percival got a call from Leopold, saying there was a bit of a bother at the estate in the suburbs and asked him to come over.

Vivienne was behind the wheel since Percival had indulged in some wine over lunch.

She asked for directions, planning to drop him off before heading back to the Linklater estate.

Percival didn't agree; the suburbs were quite a trek from where they were, and more importantly, he had left the renovation of the place as a surprise for her. Seeing it in advance would spoil everything. In the end, Percival had Leopold come to pick him up.

Leopold showed up looking like he had battled with insomnia, dark circles and all.

He headed straight for the driver's side door, "Percival, you did this on purpose, don't think a mere record... Oh, Vivienne!"

Vivienne watched him calmly.

Leopold swallowed hard, his previously menacing demeanor deflated instantly, "Vivienne, what are you doing here? I thought it was..."

Percival, lounging in the passenger seat, squinting over, said, "And what if it was me? Planning on a quick murder?"

Leopold, "..."

Even if he harbored the thought, he lacked the guts, especially with Vivienne there. If he dared to lift a finger, Vivienne would have him turned to ash in seconds.

Leopold, with a forced chuckle, "Me? Never dare."

Vivienne, with a smirk, "Leopold, pull yourself together!"

Leopold felt a chill run down his spine.

Did Vivienne know something?

Why else would this couple speak in such a unified tone?

After dropping off Percival, Vivienne turned the car around, heading back to the Linklater estate.

As soon as Vivienne left, Leopold's demeanor changed, tossing the car keys to Percival, "You drive, I need a nap."

Percival gave him a look, "If I could drive, you wouldn't be here, would you?"

Leopold froze, "Since when are you unable to drive?"

Percival, "..."

no good deed

Meanwhile.

from the Linklater estate, there was a commotion at the intersection,

detour, but was stopped by

been so long, and no

a little kid, who knows if he'll

badly, and the kid's still clutching a lotus

might be unclear, but she knew

and water lilies were essentially the same, hard to distinguish from afar for the

holding

Vivienne thought of

lying in a pool of blood, clutching a

Winston in her arms, feeding him a pill

someone after an accident, and what's with feeding him stuff... and now

act? Instead of rushing to a hospital, you're doing this

are you even human to

go, or we're calling

accusatory towards Vivienne's actions, with some even attempting to push her

"Back off!"

ice-cold,

stepping forward was taken aback by Vivienne's aura, caught off guard but trying to save face, "You, you're harming a life, hurting him..." "So, you're going

retort left

the onlookers who

her quick diagnosis, she realized Winston's injuries were more severe

best window to get to the hospital; otherwise, the outcome could be dire... Thinking this, Vivienne swiftly called Sasha, asking her

seemed quicker

at the

as usual, pouring his herbal medicine

she asked, "Bro, you've been well for

responded flatly, "It's not time

"You needed

"Bro,

tone casual, "No, why do

came to meet said Winston vanished during his nap, and they couldn't find