The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Astrid nodded affirmatively. “Yes, I’ve checked their IDs. They’re agents from M State, probably here

because they wanted to steal top-secret bio-weapon intel. As for Alfred and me, we’re the heads of the

lab.”

Vivienne pressed her lips, glancing back at Astrid, who looked slightly guilty. Then, Vivienne asked,

“Why would you tell me something so critical?”

Astrid glanced at Alfred, who sighed, saying, “Tell her. She has to know sooner or later.”

“Vivienne,” Astrid continued, “We’ve been keeping an eye on you, recognizing your brilliance in

medicine.”

“We’ve been cooped up at home because the agency tasked us with a mission. They want you to join

our lab and contribute to the nation’s latest bio-weapons project.”

Vivienne’s interest piqued. “Bio-weapons?”

“Yes. Even in these peaceful times, M State is lurking, concocting various viruses to disrupt world

peace. We need to be prepared, and this bio-weapons program has been ongoing for years, just

without significant progress.”

“Why do you think I’d make a difference?” Vivienne raised an eyebrow, her gaze laden with meaning.

Astrid pulled a document from her bag – Vivienne’s perfume formula she had given to Dorian!

“I took your perfume formula to the lab for analysis. The head researcher said the data aligns closely

with our bio-weapon experiments. Your formula led to a breakthrough, so I sincerely invite you to join

us and lend your expertise to our national defense.”

Vivienne flicked her earlobe dismissively. “Not interested.”



Astrid was taken aback by Vivienne’s blunt refusal that did not have even a hint of diplomacy.

“I know today’s events have you worried about your safety, but rest assured, if you join us, we’ll ensure

you’re fully protected.”

Vivienne snorted. “If it weren’t for us today, would you two even be alive to have this conversation?”

Astrid nearly bit her tongue, looking awkwardly at Vivienne. “Sorry, my oversight today.”

Alfred said, “We’ve managed to shake off some tails recently. We didn’t suspect any agents in action,

our apologies.”

“Speaking of which, I find it strange. With all the commotion, not one of the Ellingtons’ bodyguards

showed up until Mr. Ellington called them over. Aren’t we close to the banquet hall? Wasn’t the

explosion loud enough for them to hear?” Astrid frowned, her features half-shadowed in the dim light as

she pondered.

Alfred also furrowed his brow. “Vivienne, I suggest you avoid the Ellingtons for now. I’m concerned…”

“Spare your concerns for explaining this to our parents,” Vivienne said, turning away from the

‘righteous’ duo.

Mentioning their parents brought a flicker of guilt across Astrid’s face. “Vivienne, Alfred and I aren’t

really a couple. It’s just a cover for our mission, so we’re not married. But could you keep this a secret?

I don’t want to worry Mom.”

“Fine.” Vivienne nodded.

Reaching Dorian’s home, Vivienne and Astrid stepped out of the car.

“Vivienne,” Percival said as he emerged from the shadows.



Astrid understood they needed to talk and, after a brief greeting, helped Alfred into the house.

Back in the car, Percival removed a bug from the back seat.

With a snap, Vivienne crushed it.

Meanwhile, back in the house, Astrid, in agony, removed her hidden earpiece and tossed it on the

table, “We need to push harder, or she won’t agree.”

Alfred nodded. “Indeed.”

In the car, Vivienne tossed the remains of the bug out the window. “Mr. Wolf, this time, I gave them one

round for free like you suggested, but that’s it.”

Percival caressed Vivienne’s cheek, his fingers savoring the silky touch like cream on sugar, “Next

time, we play by your rules.”

At this moment, Leopold called, and Percival activated the Bluetooth. “Speak.”

An exasperated voice came through, “These tough nuts need a taste of their own medicine. I say we

go off the books!”

Percival replied coolly, “Treat the prisoners with care.”

Then, the sound of Leopold punching someone came from the other side of the line.

“Damn, did you just try to bite your tongue off? You think I approved that? Cap, this isn’t going off the

books.”

“Good job, keep the interrogation tight.”

“Will do.”



After Leopold hung up, a chill danced in Percival’s eyes. “These men might not know the truth. We still

need to find him.”

Vivienne nodded. “Don’t worry, I’ve got it covered.”

At the Ellington Mansion, Percival opened the door to find Fiona in tears beside Richard.

When Fiona saw Percival, she turned away, dabbing at her fallen tears. She had only processed the

situation after confirming Percival and Vivienne’s safety.

On the surface, everything had seemed fine. They were still the model cousins of the household.

But Percival’s attitude toward her today was unexpectedly cold.

“Percival, come here,” Richard called.

Percival loosened his suit jacket and tossed it on the couch. “Grandpa, what do you need?”Books

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“Fiona, you tell him.”

Fiona finally turned to face him. “Percival, I know we were in the wrong today. My brother shouldn’t

have insulted Vivienne’s parents in front of everyone. But surely, my mistake doesn’t warrant a death

sentence? You’re barring me from the company just because the Perez family said something. Isn’t

that a bit harsh?”

Her plan had failed, and she was forced to continue playing the role of Percival’s doting cousin.

Percival picked up the cup from the table, gulping the water. “Securing a partnership with the Perez

family could bring in an additional 300 million dollars in net profit annually for the company. When it

comes to choosing between profit and you, I must choose profit.”



“I am still an Ellington, and over the years, I’ve contributed more than just 300 million dollars to the

company. Are you saying that you’re willing to discard our family ties just because I offended Vivienne

today?”

Percival lifted his eyes slightly, his gaze landing on Fiona’s slightly angered face. “Yes, if you offend

them again, I’ll make sure you won’t even be able to stay in Rivenwood.”

Fiona looked at Percival coldly, pausing for a few seconds before replying, “You…”

“Fiona, if it weren’t for your vanity, you wouldn’t be in this predicament,” Richard interjected calmly,

pulling out a credit card from his pocket. “Take this for yourself. Do whatever you want to do with it. I’ll

