Carl hadn't stirred from his coma yet. The car crash hadn't damaged his nerves, but it had plunged him into a deep unconsciousness. Having undergone surgery from Vivienne, he was still out cold, waiting for the anesthesia to wear off.
No one could get a word out of Carl about the incident until he awoke.
Percival received a call from Richard, urging them to hurry back home.
The reckless stunt that Vivienne and Percival pulled at the racetrack, leaping off a cliff, had gone viral through various videos online. Despite Percival's orders to take them down, Richard got wind of the incident.
They soon arrived at Ellington Mansion, and Cecilia was the first to greet them, clutching Vivienne's hand anxiously. "Vivienne, are you alright?" Cecilia circled around Vivienne, ensuring she was unharmed before she could finally relax.
Before Vivienne could utter a word, Cecilia smacked Percival on the shoulder. "You reckless boy, how could you do something so dangerous? Go explain yourself to your grandfather! Vivienne, let's go inside."
With that, Cecilia led Vivienne into the house, leaving a puzzled Percival behind.
What exactly was he supposed to explain?
Inside, Richard inspected Vivienne just like Cecilia had and, once assured, turned his gaze to Percival. Brandishing his cane, he gave Percival a few good thumps. "You foolhardy child! If you want to jump off a cliff, do it alone! Why drag our Vivienne into your mess?"
So, that was what needed explaining.
And it hit Percival hard. He could risk his life, but not the precious granddaughter-in-law of the Ellington family.
"Vivienne won't be in danger as long as I'm around," Percival managed to say, his pride not allowing him to say less. After all, how could he be worthy of Vivienne if he could not even protect her?
"Hmph, it's because Vivienne was there that you're safe. Don't flatter yourself!" Richard scoffed before turning his attention back to Vivienne with warm concern.
Resigned, Percival rubbed his forehead but said no more.
Vivienne sat nearby, raising an eyebrow at him.
Percival settled in the corner of the couch and watched the scene contentedly.
It was not long before Flynn and Imogen arrived, looking like they had just come from the office.
Upon seeing Percival lounging with a fruit platter, Flynn frowned. "I'm swamped at work, and here you are, the chairman, living the life. Maybe I'll take a day off tomorrow, take Imogen out for some fun."
"Granted," Percival replied casually.
"You little..." Flynn strode over and ruffled Percival's hair playfully.
It was clear that apart from Vivienne, Flynn was one of the few people who could mess around with Percival like that.
Vivienne observed quietly, her cool gaze capturing the two men while a spotlight cast half her face in shadow, leaving her thoughts inscrutable.
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