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?"

nodded, “Yeah, quite fresh. The mix was good

had one thought: Did Leopold have his brain

he really not know,

only person who prepares food for the lady of the house

Vivienne tightened as he spoke softly, "Grapes aid digestion and ease

the underlying message

head, "I have a pretty strong stomach, so I don't need that.

scoffed, "It's in heaven. You planning a

on his own

he say

asking about fruit, and now he's being sent

daring to probe Vivienne, Leopold turned to Thomas,

over to the curb and opened the door

at the vast countryside, was in disbelief, "Thomas, have you lost your mind, dropping me in the

you trouble, and

car fell silent after Leopold was left

was unreadable, only Vivienne knew

for

sneaking a kiss on his cheek, "Leopold ate my leftovers." Percival responded

Vivienne, "..."

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

changed and was about to freshen up when it

outside then back at Percival, "Looks

jacket, "Put on more layers if you're going

you

crafted box, "I've got everything

it, Vivienne gasped, “Heavenly-Snow Lotus.

a disinfectant wipe, "It wasn't a big deal. If your master likes

Impressive!

She loved it!