The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

They stepped out of the study, and the living room on both floors was devoid of Vivienne and her entourage.

As they left, they weren't even graced with a goodbye from the butler.

Not a single servant was there to see them off, and the pair left the house with stone-cold expressions on their faces.

As they reached the yard, they were confronted by a man whose presence was as imposing as Thor himself, an aura of intimidation that made others shrink in fear.

Victoria's eyes widened at the sight of him. Before Harrison could notice her recognition, she quickly feigned confusion and even turned to ask Harrison, "Who is that guy? He's so full of himself. Haven't I seen him on TV or something?" Arthur was approaching from the distance. His image sharpened in Harrison's eyes, who suddenly murmured in shock, "War God?" A figure idolized by the younger generation in Veridia.

Harrison, in his youth, had fantasized about the glory of the battlefield, and thus remembered Arthur's nand face with striking clarity. He had even taken pride in having laid eyes on the War God himself. But those days of youthful folly had faded as he matured into adulthood.

Yet, what was the War God doing at the Ellington estate? Did he know Richard?! "War God?!" Victoria exclaimed in feigned surprise.

Her shrill voice caused Arthur, who was briskly passing by, to halt and focus his gaze on the duo.

His piercing stare softened when it landed on Victoria and then shifted back to Harrison. "Is Percival around?" There was a momentary hitch in Harrison's breath. "War God, you're here to see Percival?" Arthur nodded, and a flicker of shock-or was it envy?-crossed Harrison's eyes. After a brief pause, he said, "Mr. Ellington is indeed here, but he might not have the tto meet with you right now." "No, wait-" Does this fool have any idea what he's babbling about?! Victoria was about to open her mouth to defend Percival when Harrison cast her a chilling glance, "Ms. Hawthorn is preoccupied with preparing for a court case the day after tomorrow, and Mr. Ellington is assisting. He doesn't even have a moment to spare for a chat with Victoria, his own cousin." The implication was clear: even the revered War God should step aside in the face of family matters.

Arthur's eyebrows arched slightly as he turned on his heel, seeming to put his own concerns aside, now intrigued by the lawsuit Harrison mentioned. "What lawsuit?" In the short walk from the study to the front entrance, Harrison had regained his usual composed demeanor. He nodded politely at Arthur before explaining, "Ms. Hawthorn stubbornly believes I'm guilty, swayed by slander. She's convinced I'm a murderer and is determined to sue on behalf of that woman, all because of spersonal vendetta." He sighed as if deeply troubled, "I chere today, out of respect for Richard, to persuade her to drop the lawsuit, not to be misled by deceit. But she wouldn't listen and even turned Victoria andaway, right, Victoria?" Victoria remained silent.

What other tricks did Harrison have up his sleeve that she was unaware of? She offered an awkward smile, not taking up the conversation.

She had plans with Vivienne and couldn't afford to falter now.

Facing Arthur's inquiring look, she raised her voice, feigning anger, "Enough! The trial is the day after tomorrow, and we need to get back to prepare our case! That Vivienne, the traitor! My mother is Percival's aunt, and if Vivienne won't respect Percival's wishes, why would she respect yours?" Victoria didn't notice the shift in Arthur's expression, nor did she realize that her actions had just added another mark against Vivienne in Arthur's mental ledger: disrespectful, domineering, and stubborn – utterly lacking in decorum! Had the entire Ellington family been cursed for doting so excessively on such a woman, granting her every privilege and right? Harrison caught the change in Arthur's expression, his eyes glinting with calculation. "Perhaps, War God, you might try your luck inside. Victoria and I will take our leave, farewell." What did it matter what relationship he had with Percival?! His goal was to tarnish Percival's image in Arthur's eyes. As long as that couple suffered, it would ease sof the weight on his chest! At an upscale café.

Percival stepped into the private room, removed his jacket, and draped it over the chair. "I heard the War God visited my home. Why arrange a meeting here?" Arthur's eyes lifted slightly, his stoic features betraying no emotion. Cradling his cup, he looked at the coffee and replied in a calm voice, "It's not convenient to discuss matters at home. I asked you before about Winnie. Has your fiancée mentioned anything?" Winnie again? Interest flickered in Percival's cool gaze.

Rumors had it that the War God was a paragon of virtue, shunning the company of women, yet here he was, persistently bringing up Winnie and intent on finding her. "Vivienne has never heard the nWinnie at home, and neither has her father, Dorian." After a pause, Percival probed nonchalantly, "May I ask, what is Miss Winnie to the War God? Perhaps I could inquire further with Scott." "No need." Arthur gestured dismissively, "I've already checked there. No leads whatsoever." He had questioned that stubborn old Scott countless times! Stubborn as a rock in a latrine, not a word of truth to be had. The thought alone was infuriating! Arthur's mood had plummeted, a fact that didn't escape Percival's notice as he glanced up from his work. Just then, sunlight streamed in through the windows, wrapping Arthur's resolute features in a golden glow that added an uncharacteristic warmth to his normally stoic demeanor. For a fleeting moment, the chill in the air thawed into a smile.

Percival was momentarily taken aback. Ever since their first meeting, he had felt that there was something peculiar about Arthur.

Today, with the sunlight softening his features, Arthur bore an uncanny resemblance to Percival's fiancée, Vivienne It was particularly striking when Arthur lowered his gaze, revealing a natural, eyeliner-like shadow that traced a familiar curve at the corners of his eyes, With a thoughtful purse of his lips, Percival's eyes gleamed with significance. "Is that so? Speaking of which, Scott once had a sweetheart who vanished years ago. I thought perhaps, Lord War God, that you were searching for her." "Have you seen this woman?" Arthur's fingers trembled ever so slightly.

Skipping the question, seeking an answer. He didn't confirm if it was indeed her, his cold eyes fixed intensely on Percival.

Percival nodded slowly, his voice calm and measured, "I have. Her nwas Karen, Vivienne's mother." At the mention of the nKaren, a flicker of disappointment crossed Arthur's eyes.

It wasn't her. The one he was searching for was named Winnie. How could it be Vivienne's mother? If Winnie had raised a child, surely she wouldn't be anything like Vivienne.

Seeing no further leads, Arthur made no more inquiries and headed for the door. But just as he was about to leave, he halted, "Your department with your fiancée is now fully staffed. When you have a moment, you should head over to the office and complete the paperwork." Percival nodded in acknowledgment, "Thank you for the reminder." It was all part of the bureaucracy, the wheels already set in motion by the higher-ups.