The Million-Dollar Heart by Rebecca Ryan

Percival's fingers tightened on the steering wheel, the stoic expression on his face tinged with frost.

After a moment's silence, he spoke slowly, "My aunt didn't go abroad. She married into the Abernathy family; she bectheir family head, Preston Abernathy's wife." Vivienne was surprised. "So the Victoria I met today is your aunt's daughter?" She didn't know what kind of person Percival's aunt was, but judging by Percival's demeanor, he must have been quite fond of her.

Although, as far as Vivienne was concerned, with the exception of Richard and Percival, she hadn't met anyone decent from the Ellington family. Still, she had a feeling that this aunt must have been a good person.

But her daughter...

Tsk.

She didn't know what to make of her.

Percival nodded. "That's likely." Vivienne arched an eyebrow. "What do you mean 'likely'?" Percival pursed his lips before explaining, "When my aunt insisted on marrying Preston, it caused a huge rift with my grandfather. He even threatened to disown her, but she wouldn't budge. Grandpa got so angry, he actually cut all ties and forbade anyone from contacting her." Glancing at Vivienne, he continued, "In the Ellington family, next to my uncle, my aunt was always the kindest to me. After she married, I reached out to her. We met for lunch once, but then she toldnever to contact her again. She was too proud. And since then, there hasn't been any communication.

I had to dig around for information about her on my own, which wasn't easy. The ancient warrior lineages are secretive, and after marrying, my aunt beceven more reclusive, making it harder to find anything out. Later, I heard she had a daughter, but I found very little about her." Taking a deep breath, he carried on, "I eventually heard that my aunt was cast out and had beccomatose. I only learned her daughter's nafter that. But whether this Victoria is really her child, I have no way of knowing." Vivienne frowned, slightly perplexed. "So, is this Preston a looker or something?" Percival was momentarily confused by her question. "What?" "I mean-she cut ties with her family for a marriage that ended with her being thrown out and turned into a vegetable. Was it because Preston was so handsthat he completely bewitched her?" Vivienne couldn't think of any other reason why Percival's aunt would be so adamant about marrying Preston. What was she hoping to gain from such a scoundrel? After a pause, Percival said, “I once asked my aunt why she was so set on marrying Preston, but she never told me." Preempting her next question, he added, “As for why my grandfather disapproved, one reason was the general distrust our ordinary family had for ancient warrior lineages. Also, Grandpa once overheard Preston on the phone saying something like, 'Darling, don't worry. She'll definitely marry me'." Vivienne massaged her temples. "So, Preston had another lover even before marrying your aunt?" Percival confirmed with a grunt.

For a moment, Vivienne was at a loss for words.

Mr. Wolf's aunt was lovestruck, wasn't she? Ignoring her father, succumbing to the words of a cad? "When we first met, you might remember I was looking for the Specter Healer to treat my aunt's illness,” Percival's voice grew colder as he said, "After discovering you were the Specter Healer, I started to look for her whereabouts, but so far, I've found nothing. The Abernathy vendetta, however, I've never forgotten." Vivienne took his hand softly. "Let's take our revenge together." A softness touched Percival's heart. "Alright.” The car continued its journey, the two of them falling into silence.

After a long while, Percival spoke up again, "Vivienne, do you get the feeling someone is playing a big gof chess?" Vivienne nodded. "Yeah, I've felt it, too." She hadn't been aware before, but after Samantha was rescued, she realized that GTO might just be a pawn in someone else's game, especially concerning that mysterious woman and the ancient warrior lineages.

She still hadn't figured out who that woman was.

Their goals seemed linked to immortality but also went beyond it. There were other, unknown agendas at play. The Abernathy family's bold move today suggested that speople were getting impatient.

"Today I ran into a man, the War God of Veridia," Percival said, "He spoke in riddles, almost as if to warn me. Vivienne, it looks like we've got a tough battle ahead." Vivienne's laugh was light. "We'll cross that bridge when we cto it. Let's first settle the score for your aunt. And as for this War God, as long as he doesn't bother us, we don't need to pay him any mind." A smirk twitched at Percival's lips, thinking, "You're the first person I've met who's so dismissive of the War God." Just then, Percival's phone rang with an unfamiliar number.

Percival glanced at the caller ID flashing on his phone screen, a number he didn't recognize. Without a second thought, he hit the decline button.

But the phone was relentless; no sooner had he dismissed the call than it started ringing again. With a scowl darkening his features, Percival answered the call.

As soon as he did, the caller got straight to the point. "This is Lucas Toynbee.” Percival's expression shifted tically. "Mr. Toynbee!" Whatever Lucas said next, Percival cast a sidelong glance at Vivienne before replying, "Yes, we'll be right there." After hanging up, Vivienne, noticing the gravity on his face, asked, "What's wrong?" Percival moistened his lips before speaking. "Mr. Toynbee wants to see us!"

Vivienne paused, a flicker of confusion crossing her face. "Who's this Mr. Toynbee? Books Chapters Afe Daily Updated Join & Stay Updated for All Books Updates... She had rifled through her mental Rolodex but cup empty-Lucas Toynbee was not a nshe recognized.

Percival said flatly, "He's the commander of the military district!" "Oh!" Vivienne nodded, a hint of recognition in her voice. "Does he need us for something?" Percival just stared at her.

Could she tone down that 'I couldn't care less' attitude? Lucas's authority would send shivers down the spine of anyone else in the district. Clearing his throat, Percival added, "He didn't say what it's about, just that we need to go over there."

"Well, let's grab sdinner first; I'm sicher stomach starving,” Vivienne said, her stomach Phad practically chiming in. It had been hours since breakfast, and she hadn't had a bite since. Percival was slightly exasperated. "Vivienne... Lucas said now." Vivienne rolled her eyes. "Even if the sky were falling, a girl's got to eat, right? Does the commander get a kick out of starving his people?" Percival was at a loss for words.