The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 124

In the living room, as Leopold settled onto the couch, his eyes fell upon a sealed glass bottle resting on the coffee table.

"What's this?" he asked, his curiosity piqued, as he picked it up.

"Hands off," Vivienne warned, reaching out to reclaim it. It was the concentrated Tranquil Aroma perfume essence, too potent to touch the skin directly.

But Leopold, known for his mischief, quickly hid the bottle, flashing a sly grin. His eyes darted between Percival and Vivienne, and he teased, "Let me guess, is it something naughty, like a slippery massage oil…"

Vivienne had initially ignored his jesting, but from the corner of her eye, she saw Cecilia, who had been pursuing Stella, returning alone. She attempted to retrieve the bottle from Leopold.

With a swift move, Leopold evaded her, accidentally tossing the Tranquil Aroma perfume out of his hands. It landed with a crash at Cecilia's feet.

Instantly, the strong fragrance filled the entire apartment, making it difficult for everyone to breathe comfortably.

Cecilia hesitated for a moment, then disregarded it, stepping over the broken glass and storming in, her voice accusing, "How could you… Achoo! Stella, she… Achoo! You… Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!"

Before she could finish her sentence, the overpowering scent triggered five consecutive sneezes, leaving her eyes moist and red.

Vivienne, feeling an unexpected pang of guilt, glared at Leopold and handed Cecilia a few tissues.

Cecilia's nose was unbearably itchy; she didn't have the luxury to disdain Vivienne. Wiping her tears and nose, she asked between sneezes, "What is this… Achoo! …smell?"

Finally unable to bear it, she ran away, sneezing all the way.

The four people left in the living room exchanged puzzled glances.

Percival had prepared himself for a day of incessant nagging from his mother, but a bottle of perfume managed to divert her attention. He decided that this was a great solution. He thought it was a fantastic item to have on hand. The next time his mother bothered him with trivial matters, he could just sprinkle it around the house.

And he should prepare some for Isolde too. Lately, his mother's repetitive complaints had been driving the poor girl crazy. She constantly complained to him about it.

Thus, an argument vanished into thin air.

Vivienne glanced at the time; it was already 11 A.M. Unusually enthusiastic, she suggested to Leopold and Thomas, "It's lunchtime. Let's eat together; I'll cook."

"Don't bother!" Leopold jumped up as if propelled by a spring, ready to flee.

"Ms. Hawthorn, I've already ordered food; it will arrive shortly. You don't need to trouble yourself," Thomas said, his face contorted in displeasure. He swiftly placed orders on the app, not paying much attention to the items, as long as something was ordered.

"Oh, really?" Vivienne looked disappointed. She wanted Leopold and Thomas to experience her improved cooking skills, but apparently, that plan was thwarted. "Well, maybe next time."

Leopold and Thomas exchanged a silent glance, relieved that they had escaped unscathed this time. They silently vowed never to approach Percival during meal times. It was too perilous.

Suddenly, they understood why Isolde, who had been so attached to Vivienne, hadn't come along with Cecilia today. The little girl was indeed clever; despite her young age, she knew how to avoid trouble.

However, what surprised them was Cecilia's persistence. She regrouped in the afternoon and returned.