The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

"Let's head inside and talk," Percival said, pulling Vivienne along and gesturing towards the three waiting at the door.

As soon as they entered, Leopold was the first to dash to the couch, sighing with relief. "Vivienne, you have no idea how long we've been standing outside. My legs are killing me." Vivienne leaned against the back of the sofa, giving him a sideways glance. "Thomas has been standing just as long as you have. Are you the only one who's tired?" Leopold chuckled awkwardly, "Not tired, not tired at all!" He knew better than to complain. Vivienne would probably have him copying lines from sancient book all night.

Vivienne simply rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore him.

Percival fetched a box of chamomile tea from the cupboard, prepared a few cups, and placed them on the coffee table. He handed one to Vivienne, saying, "Chamomile tea, to help you relax." A smile spread across her face as she took a sip, "Not bad. Always the thoughtful one, Mr. Wolf." Holding his own cup, Leopold took a sip before diving into the conversation. "The Grimshaw family has been dealt with. The authorities acted swiftly, and a secret trial was held. Ethan Grimshaw was sentenced to death!" Vivienne nodded in approval. Considering all the harm Ethan had inflicted, it was a fitting end.

Leopold continued, more seriously now, "As for the rest of the Grimshaws, Oliver and Asher received ten-year sentences. Considering their cooperation and their financial contributions to the nation, it's a significant fall from grace." "The Grimshaws will no longer hold their esteemed position. After ten years, they'll just be another ordinary family." Anna frowned, "Only ten years?" Vivienne explained, "Oliver was unaware of Ethan's actions. Despite their methods, the Grimshaws supported many crucial operations. If not for their betrayal, they would've remained a powerful family." "And the Grimshaw family has offered to surrender their heirloom, the Millennia Aegis," added Leopold.

Vivienne's eyes sparkled, and Percival casually squeezed her hand, both sharing a moment of silent understanding.

"The Grimshaws are down, but Abigail, the woman behind them, remains at large," Thomas said gravely.

"No rush. A rat will eventually find its way into the cat's jaws," Vivienne said lazily, her legs crossed. She knew Abigail's strength was not natural.

"What about the Abernathy family?" Vivienne pondered. Their encounter with Mara had distracted them from settling scores with the Abernathys.

"Abigail sent assassins to the Abernathys after the Grimshaws fell. Thanks to your foresight, we managed to save Gavin Abernathy with the help of the Nine Mystics Society. He's quite shaken up," Thomas reported.

Mention of Gavin drew a glance from Vivienne to Percival, whose demeanor remained calm yet ominous.

Feeling Vivienne's gaze, Percival looked at her, his eyes twinkling. He caressed her cheek, "Gavin's fear is premature. He has yet to pay for his sins." "It's tto settle accounts with the Abernathy family!" Percival stood, addressing the room, "Leopold, you're driving." Leopold protested, "Why me? Thomas is here too!" Percival's icy glance silenced him, "You have a problem with that?" Seeking support, Leopold looked to Vivienne, who simply echoed, "You have a problem with that?" Leopold sighed internally, "Can I even say no?" Their expressions said it all - he was out of options. In his mind, he imagined being sent off to sremote island as punishment.

Percival and Vivienne: You can say it. We're very understanding! Leopold: Go to hell! Trusting you two is like believing in fairy tales! Leopold, looking like a man wronged by fate, reluctantly agreed to go.

Anna covered her mouth to hide her laughter, while Thomas stifled his chuckles, careful not to show it on his face.

Inside the grand Abernathy estate.

Gavin sat in the main hall's seat ofhonor, his heart pounding with unease. Loyal Brady stood by his side, with Harrison Schram and Victoria Abernathy to the left, and Madeline and Sophie Abernathy to the right, casting an unusually somber atmosphere. Ever since the attempt on his life, which he narrowly survived, he's been on edge, every nerve to sel fearing the slightest inattention might be the end of him. S His fingertips trembled slightly, as if he had lost his soul, lost in thought.

Just then, two figures entered his view, lifting his murky eyes with a heavy gaze.

The inevitable had arrived.

Vivienne and Percival casually dragged chairs into the hall, making themselves at has if they owned the place. "Gavin Abernathy, long tno see!" Gavin, "......" Just a few days ago, you were rallying people againstin court, 'long tno see' my foot! Gavin steadied his trembling fingers, his eyes filled with loathing, scoffing, "Let's get to the point, shall we? We don't have much else to talk about." Previously, he might have sought a favor through Victoria's connection to the Ellington family.

But now, Abigail was on his doorstep.

She was out for his blood! What good was the Ellington family then? Could they stand against Abigail? Even though Vivienne and Percival had saved him, he didn't believe their intentions were pure.

He didn't bother with pleasantries.

Vivienne smirked, "Seems like you're quite aware." Gavin snorted, "You're here to move against the Abernathy family today, aren't you?" He glanced at the entourage Vivienne brought, mocking, "You really didn't need to bring so many people. You toppled the Grimshaw family; how could we, the Abernathy family, possibly stand against you?" Vivienne's eyebrows raised slightly, "Who knows, maybe Gavin is more formidable than Oliver?" Gavin, "......" Are you even listening to yourself? Do you really think I stand a chance against the Grimshaw family? * Privacy