The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Back in the living room, Cecilia couldn't help but remind him to take extra care during this time.

“Not a single detail should be overlooked.”

Richard, worried, tapped his cane lightly on the floor and said, “Why worry? Vivienne is blessed, and so will our child be. As the first

great-grandson of the Ellington family, nothing will go wrong.”

Percival chimed in with a few words of support.

Understanding the importance of etiquette, Richard stood up and said, “Now that Vivienne is alright, let's all head hand not

disturb her rest.”

Before leaving, he turned to Percival, “Oh, and on my way here, | had snutritional supplements picked up for Vivienne. Make

sure she gets enough of those when you're home.”

Just as Percival was about to respond, Richard sternly added, “This tit's a pass, but if | hear anything about Vivienne or the

babying to harm again, | won't let it slide so easily!”

Percival laughed, “Understood, Grandpa. Don’t worry.”

Meanwhile, Vivienne was about to check on themotion outside when her phone rang. It was Finnian.

“You okay, kiddo? | heard about the Perez family being attacked. I'll be there tonight.”

Vivienne, surprised, asked, “Master, how did you find out?”

Finnian sighed, “How could | not know when I'm so close to your grandfather? Something this big couldn't escape my notice.”

He then asked about her condition, “I heard from your mom that you had strouble. Is it serious?”

Vivienne truthfully replied, “I was affected a bit by using my powers last night, but it's nothing to worry about.”

Finnian advised, “With your condition, you should really limit using your powers. They're too strong and could harm the baby.”

Before Vivienne could respond, she heard Dawson's voice from the phone, “Vivienne, are you alright?”

“Dawson is with you?”

Finnian, sounding resigned, said, “He insisted oning along. | couldn't stop him.”

After the call ended, Percival walked in.

Seeing him alone, Vivienne asked, “Mr. Wolf, where are Grandpa and my parents?”

“They've left,” Percival replied as he closed the door behind him.

“Left?” Vivienne was puzzled. Weren't they here to see her?

Percival reassured her, “You need peace and rest right now. Knowing you're fine, Grandpa and your parents went back home.”

Vivienne settled back, blinking in disbelief. “Just like that?”

Percival managed a smile, “Grandpa made it clear - any harmes to you or the baby, and he won't be lenient with me.”

“So, for your safety and the baby’s, you both need to be alright.”

Vivienne knew Mr. Wolf was shaken by her recent scare.

Given the Perez family’s ordeal and Uncle Luke's critical condition, she hadn't thought much about herself.

Now, it seemed she had worried Mr. Wolf quite a bit.

Leaning into his embrace, she nodded, “It was an accident. It won't happen again.”

Then, Vivienne suddenly thought of something and asked, “Who do you think was behind the attack on the Perez family?”

Percival felt it wasn’t simple, “Whoever it was, they had the means to deploy such weaponry. There must be someone else behind

this.”

Vivienne squinted, “You mean, other families might be involved.”

Just then, Percival’s phone rang.

It was Leopold, shouting, “Percival, the Martinez family is in trouble!”

Vivienne’s eyes flashed.

Percival, calmly, asked, “What happened?”

Leopold whispered, “The Martinez family’s armory was robbed - ten new bombs gone! Godfrey is furious. Without finding those,

the Martinez family can’t handle the fallout.”

Vivienne and Percival exchanged glances. The Perez family was just attacked, and now the Martinez family faced trouble.

“When did this happen?” Percival inquired.

“This morning!” Leopold replied. “| was about to pick up Griffin when we found out. He's at the armory now, trying to figure out

what's missing. If anything else is gone, we can’t even imagine the consequences.”

Indeed, those were state-level weapons, meant for Martinez family research, not to cause public panic.

Vivienne asked, “Are you sure about this?”

Leopold, remembering Vivienne couldn’t see him nod, quickly affirmed, “I wouldn't mention it if | wasn’t sure. It's too big.”

“The Martinez family’s armory is in the mountains. Someone made a tunnel and took the weapons without anyone noticing.”

Vivienne looked determined.

It was clear now.

Somebody's plan had never been just about the Perez family.

Percival informed him, “The Perez family was bombed last night!”

Leopold gasped, “What?”

Percival couldn't believe the logic, so he laid it out straight, "The explosion was caused by miniature bombs, ten of them."

Even the usually slow Leo caught on quickly and gasped, "Who in the world would have it out for the Martins? That's a ruthless

move. Regardless of whether the Martins did it or not, just the fact that weapons went missing is going to land someone in hot

water."

And to think they hit the Parkers!

The Parkers weren't the kind to mess with easily.

Lost in thought, Leo suddenly saw two familiar figures and blurted out, "General, what brings you here?"

Arthur glanced at him and said coldly, "What are you doing here? I'm looking for the person in charge of the Martins."

Leo jumped, quickly saying to the person on the phone, "Vivienne, Percival, got to hang up, Mr. Linklater is here."

On the other end, Percival heard Arthur's voice and smirked, "Dad's always quick on his feet. Seems he traced it back to the

Martins before the news even broke."

Vivian nodded in agreement.

Daring to stir trouble behind the backs of two ancient warrior families.

This was bound to be followed up thoroughly.

She suddenly thought of someone, "Mr. Wolf, how's Daphne holding up?"

Percival knew who Vivian was thinking of, but from last night till now, there had been no word, "Still unconscious. Anna's taking

care of her."

Meanwhile, at the Martins’.

Godfrey, seeing two formidable figures in his front hall, was somewhat panicked, "What brings two such busy folks here all of a

sudden? Someone, bring our finest tea, please."

Luke raised a hand, "No need for formalities, Godfrey. We're here on business."

Arthur nodded, pulling out a piece of "evidence" and presenting it, "Godfrey, you should be familiar with the make and model of

these bombs."

Godfrey choked, "This... is the new type of bomb developed by the Martins."

Arthur took back the evidence, "Given that, Godfrey should know why we're here."