The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 1090

Matthew was rooted to the spot.

Should he be making himself scarce now?

The way things were heading, it felt like sticking around for even a second longer was tempting fate.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Connor was ready to leave, but the old man wouldn't have it.

He insisted on having Connor stay for dinner.

"I haven't properly thanked you for saving Juliette last time. You can't refuse me today. It's still early; how about joining an old man for a game of chess?"

With the conversation taking such a turn, Connor couldn't well refuse anymore.

He obliged the old man's wishes and followed him.

Outside, Vivienne narrowed her eyes.

Had she underestimated someone's cunning?

Matthew, trailing behind, swallowed nervously and whispered, "Vivienne, I think I'll head back too."

Vivienne turned, giving him instructions, "I might be tied up with some stuff lately. Keep an eye on things at Rivenwood for me, and call me if anything comes up."

Matthew thought Vivienne's "some stuff" had something to do with the man from earlier.

He didn't dare ask more, "Don't worry, Vivienne. I'll keep an eye on the company. Nothing will go wrong."

Saying this, he quickly got into his car and drove away.

Vivienne didn't use the front hall, opting to circle back to her room through the outside corridor.

Having rushed back from abroad upon receiving some news, she hadn't really rested and now craved some quiet.

When she woke up again, it was nearly dark.

Glancing at the clock on the wall—it was six.

The daylight hadn't faded completely yet, but it was close.

Walking out, laughter echoed from the hall.

Vivienne, thinking Leopold had brought the kids back, was about to make a call but decided to walk over instead.

In the living room, only Yorick and Connor were present.

With a narrow victory under his belt, Yorick stroked his beard and chuckled, "Didn't expect you to be quite the chess player at your young age, Percival."

"In your presence, I'm but a novice. Your mastery is far beyond my reach."

As Connor said this, noticing Vivienne, he stood up and greeted, "You're awake."

Vivienne gave him a surprised look, then asked Yorick, "Grandpa, hasn't Leopold brought the kids back yet?"

Yorick glanced at the time, "Your dad just spoke with Leopold on the phone. They're on their way back. The kids were playing on the mountain and fell asleep on the drive back. Leopold's been driving carefully, probably delayed because of that."

Vivienne pursed her lips and nodded.

Connor handed her a cup of hot tea, "They should be back soon. Don't worry."

Vivienne took the tea, murmuring a thanks.

He smiled, "We're friends; no need for thanks."

Vivienne paused, realizing he was deliberately speaking for the benefit of the old man.

She wanted to clarify but seeing the smile on her grandfather's face, she chose not to explain further.

Just then, her phone rang—it was Leopold.

Vivienne answered, ready to ask where he was, but Leopold's breathless shout cut through, "Vivienne, it's bad. Juliette and Isaiah have been kidnapped!"

"What did you say?"

Vivienne's expression turned cold, "Explain. What happened?"