The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 1081

Thinking about it, Leopold shook his head and glanced at the clock, realizing it was almost time. He quickened his pace towards the kids' bedrooms.

On the way to school, Leopold glanced at the rearview mirror, noticing the two munching on their sandwiches, and asked curiously.

“Juliette, Isaiah, has Vivienne been under a lot of stress lately? Why did she suddenly tell me I'm sick?”

Juliette was too busy with her sandwich to care, continuing her silent munching, lost in her thoughts.

Isaiah hit the nail on the head, “Goddad, the scent of herbal tea isn’t something you can just wash off with a shower.”

Leopold, “…”

He subconsciously sniffed himself, his eyes darting away.

He only indulged in his herbal tea every other day, was it really that noticeable?

Juliette swallowed her last bite, “Godad, the only thing getting better with that tea is your taste for it. You better watch it, or you'll pack on the pounds. Be careful, or Aunt Viv might not fancy you anymore.”

Leopold choked, coughed, and said, “What do kids know, Viv and I have a bond that goes way back. It’s not something that can be swayed by something as superficial as looks.”

He could brag all day about his relationship with Griffin.

Juliette remained silent, just quietly observing him from the backseat.

Feeling guilty under her gaze, Leopold touched his slightly plumper cheeks, incredulous, “Did I really gain weight?”

Juliette delivered the final blow, “You used to have a six-pack. How many can you count now?”

Leopold, “…”

That settles it; he was going to get back in shape.

He remembered how Griffin seemed to enjoy tracing his waistline at night...

Come to think of it, he'd only seen her twice this month.

No matter how career-driven Vivienne was, it seemed she could easily forget him once she buried herself in work.

If it weren't for his occasional presence, her world would be nothing but her arsenal of gadgets and accessories.

Seeing Leopold genuinely disheartened, Juliette couldn't bear to tease any further.

She nudged Isaiah with her elbow.

After a moment, Isaiah spoke up, “Godad, isn’t Aunt Viv’s birthday coming up soon?”

Leopold’s eyes lit up, “Right, Griffin’s birthday is next month. I need to think of a way to surprise her.”

Isaiah took a sip of his milk, his eyes glued to his tablet, and said, “Aunt Viv’s job is super secretive. Traveling abroad might not be a good idea.”

Leopold, agreeing while stroking his chin and keeping his eyes on the road, contemplated.

“Then let's plan it at the Hot Springs Resort. It’s private, Viv can truly relax, and I can spend some quality time with her.”

It would also be a time when Vivienne was likely to be back.

No need to worry about the kids then.

With the plan shaping up, Leopold’s spirits were lifted. He decided to treat his little "strategists," “I’m free this weekend. You two pick a place, and we’ll go!”

“Anywhere's fine!”

Isaiah, distracted by his tablet, wasn’t too interested in the weekend getaway idea.

Leopold raised an eyebrow, “What about you, Juliette? I’m telling you, miss this chance, and there won’t be another.”

A spark gleamed in Juliette’s eyes, “Godad, I miss Grandpa Finnian. When can we visit Emerald Mountain?”

At the mention of Emerald Mountain, Leopold's expression froze.

He shook his head, very sure, “Not possible, not these days.”

Not just these days, without a word from his mentor, he dared not set foot on Emerald Mountain again.

“Why?” Juliette was puzzled.