The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 1122

Mrs. Thompson, Mayor Thompson's wife, dangled precariously above a large pool swarming with vicious piranhas. The sight of the thrashing fish below, their mouths full of razor-sharp teeth, sent a wave of nausea through her.

"If you dare to lie during questioning, we'll lower you inch by inch until you're nothing but fish food," Percival said, his tone nonchalant as he adjusted his cufflinks, giving her two minutes to ponder her fate.

Those two minutes were pure torture for Mrs. Thompson, who had been contemplating death not long ago. Now, faced with the immediate threat, she hesitated.

As the timer ran out, Percival commanded, "First question."

"Who is this 'Mr. X' you keep referring to?"

Terrified, Mrs. Thompson avoided Percival's gaze, knowing full well he would see through any deception.

"It's Connor," she finally blurted out, her voice trembling. "We only met him once a few years back when he supplied us with the poison. After that, it was only phone contacts."

With her life hanging in the balance, she rushed to satisfy Percival's demands.

"What’s needed to wake those who've been knocked out?" Percival inquired, examining a pair of pliers with interest.

"They... ah! They just need to leave the village!" Mrs. Thompson cried out, her feet inches away from the snapping jaws below.

"Enough questions, she's yours to deal with," Percival coldly ordered, dismissing the situation.

The lack of any fight left in her was apparent as the piranhas took their chance, tearing flesh from her legs. Screams filled the dungeon until the water, now a dark crimson, silenced them, leaving Mrs. Thompson to her grim fate.

Once the screams ceased, the door opened, revealing the now calm pool and its satisfied inhabitants, the scent of blood still heavy in the air.

Percival ordered Draven to move the rescued women to safety while he searched the Luck Village for any remaining secrets, instructing his team to back up all research materials for when Vivienne awakens.

After receiving a mysterious phone call, Percival rushed out, driving recklessly to the hospital where familiar voices awaited.

"Mommy, you're finally awake. I missed you so much," Juliette cooed, hugging Vivienne with exaggerated care, mindful not to hurt her.

Vivienne, surrounded by her concerned children, Juliette and Isaiah, both teary-eyed, felt overwhelmed. "Have I been asleep long?"