The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne emerged from the lab only to find Percival, clad in a sleek black trench coat, giving Thomas some instructions.

Not far off, Leopold leaned on his cane, clearly having just arrived with the others.

She walked over and took his arm, "Mr. Wolf, what brings you here?"

Percival pulled her close, giving her a thorough once-over to ensure she was alright before he relaxed, "Came to pick you up. Are you tired at all?" Vivienne couldn't help but smile at his concern, "You know I'm tougher than I look. Besides, I didn't lift a finger in there. How could I possibly be tired?"

Percival squeezed her hand gently, "That's exactly why I worry. If Thomas hadn't been there today, would you have jumped in yourself, forgetting our agreement last night?"

Vivienne glanced at Leopold.

Leopold guiltily touched his nose.

When Percival had called to ask, he couldn't hide the truth.

Once they were back in the car, Percival, sitting in the backseat, asked Vivienne what she wanted to eat, offering to cook for her at home.

Seeing him dressed in a bespoke suit under his coat, Vivienne knew Mr. Wolf had made a special trip just for her, making her heart soften, "Let's not bother, eating out is fine."

Percival hesitated for a moment, "I'm not comfortable with outside food. Whatever you want, I can make it for you."

Vivienne laughed lightly, "Mr. Wolf, we have all the time in the world. Are you sure you want to keep this up 24/7?"

Leopold, overhearing their conversation and eager to regain Vivienne's trust, chimed in with a timely suggestion, "Percival, Vivienne, I know this cozy little bistro downtown. It's quiet, the food is clean and light. Perfect for you two."

Percival gave Leopold a rare nod, "Send the location to Thomas."

"Sure thing."

Leopold quickly shared the location with Thomas on his phone, then, remembering something, turned to Vivienne, "Oh, by the way, where did you get that fruit salad today? Could you give me the shop's name? I'd like to get a membership for Griffin. She's not one for fuss, and it sounds just right for her."

The air in the car turned icy.

Percival's lips curled slightly, "Was the fruit good?"

was good too, just too many grapes for

thought: Did Leopold have

know, or is

person who prepares food for the lady of the

Vivienne tightened as he spoke softly, "Grapes

sensed the underlying message

don't need that. But Vivienne, you didn't tell me where the shop is.

in heaven. You planning

nearly choked on his own

say

now he's

to Thomas, "What's... what's going on

curb and opened the door for Leopold, "This isn't on our way.

staring at the vast countryside, was in disbelief, "Thomas, have you lost your mind, dropping me in the middle of nowhere..." Thomas, at

and you're still

fell silent after Leopold was left

only Vivienne knew he was

for her, even

on his cheek, "Leopold ate my leftovers."

Vivienne, "..."

end, they didn't eat out, as Percival had little faith in

freshen up when

looked outside then back at Percival, "Looks like a

more layers if you're going

did you know I

smiled, handing her a beautifully crafted box, "I've got

“Heavenly-Snow Lotus. Where did you

with a disinfectant wipe, "It wasn't a big deal. If

Impressive!

She loved it!