The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 399

Vivienne was the epitome of composure. If Scott lacked even the basic cunning, her mother would never have spent three years undercover by his side.

But now, the lead on Scott was a dead end.

She had hoped to use Scott to unearth the true identity of the elusive Mr. B.

"Vivienne, let's head back," Percival said, taking her hand and pulling her back to the present.

He had not expected Scott to pull the trigger so suddenly.

They had hoped to extract Mr. B's whereabouts from Scott, which was why the Vanguard Agency had surrounded him without immediately ordering his arrest.

It had, however, given Scott the chance to slip through their fingers.

Yet, despite appearances, Scott had fired a blank. Given the distance and angle, Vivienne would not have escaped unscathed even if she had been on guard.

Surely, his gun was not out of bullets.

Percival’s men, who dove into the sea to search Scott, relayed the news to him while he was in the car.

The car was found, but the man was missing, leaving behind a single shoe and copious amounts of blood. The shattered window was fringed with scraps of skin tissue.

If the blood loss was as severe as it seemed, he was likely at the bottom of the sea by now.

"Keep searching," Percival commanded with a grave voice.

Having anticipated this outcome, Vivienne immediately issued an Order of Nine Mystics Society to pursue Scott.

"Mr. Wolf, take me home," Vivienne said, leaning on Percival's shoulder, her eyes weary, "I'm rather tired."

Percival draped his coat over her, saying gently, "Of course."

Vivienne closed her eyes, haunted by the image of Scott aiming the gun at her.

She had not expected him to hold his fire.

As for why, Vivienne did not care to ponder.

Regardless of his mercy, it did not erase his past intent to kill her mother.

After dropping Vivienne at the Brooks residence, Percival left.

Vivienne prepared to retire to her room when she saw Kala and paused.

Hearing that Kala had returned to work and must be busy, it surprised her to see her home for a break.

Catching the sound of the door, Kala brightened for a moment, but her expression faltered upon seeing Vivienne.

"Vivienne, you're back," Kala said with an awkward smile.

Their relationship had lost the purity it once had.

Vivienne nodded. "Yes, and you're here as well?"

"I came to ask my folks to join me for a reality show, but no one's available... I guess it's off the table," Kala said, her mood dimming momentarily before she forced a laugh. "It's fine, I needed a break anyway."

Vivienne was familiar with the show Kala mentioned, a reality series focusing on family bonds, where celebrities brought a relative to share an outdoor camping trip.

If she remembered correctly, Stephen Harris was also participating.

"The show just needs a family member, right?" Vivienne sat down across from Kala.

Kala nodded. "Yes, but everyone's busy."

"I'm not."

Used to such pettiness, Kala thought of moving the chairs themselves.

But Vivienne simply stepped forward and asked, "Your bag?"

Lucy eyed Vivienne with a mix of disdain and curiosity. "Why do you even care?"

Lucia’s sister, Lila, also chuckled, her laughter tinged with condescension. "Can't believe they let just anyone on the show nowadays. Look at her, dressed like she's from a thrift shop. As if being part of a family of criminals wasn't embarrassing enough."

Vivienne responded with a sly smile, her fingers deftly flicking her bag off the chair and onto the floor. She then gracefully took a seat, patting the stool beside her as she said to Kala, "Take a seat."

Kala hesitated, her thoughts screaming, “Wasn't she supposed to listen to me?”

Lucy shrieked, "Do you have any idea how much that bag costs? Can you even afford to pay for the damages if you scratched it?"

Leaning back, Vivienne crossed her legs with an air of indifference. "That rag of a thing? You think I care about the price tag on your junk?"

"You!"

At that moment, Stephen walked in with his Grandma, the ever-stylish Paloma Harris, who exuded an aura of wealth and grace.

Noticing the bag on the chair, she glanced at Lucy and Lila before saying, "My dear, that's a lovely bag you've got there. It's so pretty. You should be cuddling it in bed, not letting it collect dust on a chair."

Her words left Lucia and Lila alternating between shades of red and white, visibly shaken by the old lady's sardonic wit.

Vivienne let out a laugh. Grandma Harris was as delightfully sarcastic as ever.

Lucia, recognizing Stephen, did not dare offend him. He was a big shot, after all, someone you'd want on your good side.

Stephen was just about to greet Vivienne when her gaze stopped him cold. In an instant, he withdrew his foot, understanding the unspoken message.

He got it—his boss was here for a slice of real life.