The Million-Dollar Heart

Vivienne and Percival made their way to the backyard.

Finnian had been waiting for quite some time, and upon seeing them, he set down his cup of coffee, "You're here."

Vivienne approached the empty table, "Master, where's the stuff?"

Finnian stroked his beard, "I had your grandfather get some experts to look at it. It's been stored in a specialized freezer."

Vivienne had a hunch about what it could be.

"How much is there?"

"Only enough for a few people."

Percival frowned; although he didn't know what Vivienne was worried about, anything that concerned both master and apprentice had to be significant. Finnian stood up, "Follow me, you'll understand once you see it."

The item was inside the house where Finnian lived, but surprisingly, Jasper was sitting at the table.

Vivienne paused, "Grandpa?"

Jasper looked at her with concern, "Vivienne, you shouldn't have kept this from me."

Vivienne bit her lip, deciding to come clean, "Grandpa, that person was after me from the start. It's something I have to deal with."

"No matter who this Abigail is, our Perez family won't allow anyone to bully you like this."

Vivienne worried about this exact reaction and spent a good while soothing Jasper.

During their conversation, Finnian had already taken out the item, a red glass vial now lay exposed for all to see.

Vivienne's expression changed upon seeing it.

Though she had guessed Abigail's intentions, the depth of her malevolence was still shocking.

world, not its

Vivienne's face, Percival

"After your master informed me, I had specialists examine it. It's a serum sample, but we're unclear on the type of virus it corresponds to." Vivienne stepped forward to take the item, "Grandpa, don't worry. I'll have it analyzed in the

course, that was

Vivienne was to prevent any leaks, "We trust you with this,

of the

didn't know

she wouldn't have acted before Vivienne had a chance to open it. She was guarding against what she held in

use of these items

wonder he hadn't allowed Abigail to intervene and

had left himself a way

Vivienne bluntly stated, "There's one more thing she needs to do before revealing her ultimate weapon." Before conquering

how powerful, a monster that needed

bided her

brow furrowed, sensing Vivienne's resolve, "You plan

indeed prepared

had waited

miss this opportunity, and

Millennia Aegis are with

heart sank, adamantly opposing Vivienne's decision

the slightest mishap. If anything were to happen, it'd be too late

just keep it here. I'd like to see for myself what kind of person this

by her grandfather's

gripping Vivienne's hand, promising Jasper, "Grandpa, I've got this." Jasper, worried for Vivienne's safety, felt

after more than that. In any case, I dug this hole, and I'll be the one to fill it."

their last confrontation, Abigail had attempted to

wouldn't leave such a threat

the only way to

Jasper on the shoulder, "I think you're underestimating my apprentice. She wouldn't have planned

vel

threat entirely."