The Million-Dollar Heart novel Chapter 109

At the dining table.

Percival was sitting next to Vivienne, catering to her throughout the meal. Whenever she needed a napkin or a refill on her drink, he was there. If she so much as glanced at a dish, it would miraculously appear in her bowl.

Vivienne, of course, didn't take Leopold's previous joke seriously. But Percival's attentiveness was making her suspicious. Was he overcompensating for something?

Across the table, Cecilia was fuming. She almost snapped her fork and knife in half. She had raised Percival, and she had never seen him so attentive to anyone, let alone her. How come she never noticed that Percival had this caring side?

She already disliked Vivienne, and this was just adding fuel to the fire.

But it was okay. Richard would be returning to Rivenwood soon, and Nathan Ellington had already returned to handle business matters. She couldn’t mess with Vivienne with Richard around, but once he was gone, who would stop her?

After all, Percival was her son. She didn't believe that he would choose Vivienne over her.

"Vivienne." Richard, seemingly pleased with Percival's behavior, called out.

He had noticed that Percival had feelings for Vivienne, but the feelings weren't reciprocated.

"Richard." Vivienne immediately put down her fork and knife politely, ready to listen.

"I'm returning to Rivenwood in a few days." Richard said with a grin. "Isolde is still very young, and I’m worried about Percival and her being alone. I hope you'll help look after them when you can."

Cecilia almost choked on her food. What was Richard saying?

How were Percival and Isolde alone and helpless? What did that make her?

Isolde chimed in while looking at Vivienne with her big eyes. "Vivienne, you must come and keep me company. Once Grandfather leaves, and with my mother busy with poker every day, I'll be lonely."

Cecilia took a deep breath. When did she neglect Isolde for poker?

Well, she did play poker every day.

The Dorian family saw no problem with Richard's request. They were grateful to the Ellington family for all the help they had given the Hawthorn family. It was only right to return the favor.

Everyone turned their gaze to Vivienne, waiting for her response. Percival watched her from the corner of his eye.

If it were anyone else, Vivienne would've ignored them. But most of the people here were individuals she cared about, so she gave a slight nod in agreement. "Richard, don't worry, I will."

Under the table, however, she secretly kicked in Percival's direction.

"Ouch!" Leopold yelped in pain as he clutched his leg.

Assuming Percival was the culprit, he glared at him. "Why'd you kick me?"

"Do I need a reason to kick you?" Percival replied nonchalantly.

"You're the man." Leopold gave Percival a thumbs up.

No one noticed, but Percival and Richard exchanged a knowing look.

“Good job,” their eyes seemingly said.

Richard chuckled to himself. He'd helped as much as he could. If Percival couldn't win over Vivienne, he shouldn't bother returning to Rivenwood.

After dinner, Richard dragged Dorian off for a game of chess. Thaddeus and Isolde went to play in the mansion's courtyard, with Cecilia and Cordelia watching over them.

"The view from the back mountain is great. Want to take a walk?" Percival suggested to Vivienne.

Before Vivienne could respond, Leopold piped up. "I'll go too. I'll go too. I love walks."

Percival shot Leopold a cold look, which sent a shiver down his spine.

Since Leopold insisted on joining, Percival also invited Thomas. The four of them strolled towards the back mountain.

The Cloud Eatery was situated halfway up the mountain. It was surrounded by lush flowers and plants. Perhaps due to the mountain's climate, the vegetation flourished.

A breeze blew, and petals began dancing in the wind. It was like they stepped into a fairyland.

Vivienne felt at peace as she looked at this scenery. It reminded her of her days at the Emerald Monastery.

During the summer, after her practice, she'd open her eyes to see the flowers and trees outside her window and feel the same tranquility.

"These flowers are beautiful." Leopold couldn't resist the urge to pick one.

Vivienne shot him a cold look. Just as he reached out, he suddenly tripped.

"Damn it!" He grumbled while dusting off the dirt and petals from his clothes. "What just happened? Why did I trip?"

"You deserve it for picking flowers." Thomas said deadpan.

"Do you like flowers?" Percival asked Vivienne, ignoring Leopold. "If you do, we can fill our home with them."

Before Vivienne could answer, Percival's face suddenly changed.

Vivienne reacted faster and quickly turned around to stare coldly in the direction of the bushes.

They both heard faint footsteps.

This forest was littered with scattered petals, broken branches, and sand. An average Joe couldn't walk in here without making a sound. No way, no how. There was only one possibility for someone who could move like this.

It had to be a hitman!

Leopold and Thomas quickly came to their senses, swiftly turned around, and stood back-to-back with Vivienne and Percival with their eyes alertly fixed forward.

Next, ten assassins emerged from among the flowers and plants, forming a circle around the four of them.

The leader of the assassins had a scar on his left cheek and skillfully held a dagger in his hand. He coldly asked Vivienne, "Are you Vivienne?"

Vivienne slightly raised her head and calmly replied, "Yes."

"Hand over the item!" The assassin's voice was somewhat muffled, but his threats could be clearly heard. "I advise you to behave, or tonight will be your end."

The other assassins also pulled out their weapons. They were ready for battle and waiting for the leader's command to strike.

The four of them watched alertly. They were ready to act at any time.

Vivienne looked at the leader of the assassins as her eyes flashed with a cold light. "How much did your employer pay you?"

"What?" The leader of the assassins didn't react in time.

"How much is my life worth?" Vivienne asked again. Her relaxed tone made it seem as if she were discussing the price of groceries in a supermarket, not her life.

The leader of the assassins looked at Vivienne, becoming somewhat impatient, as if he were ready to strike at any moment.

Vivienne gave a small smile. "What? Afraid to say?"