The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 454

As the quartet happily indulged in a cozy fondue dinner, Leopold brought over the documents from headquarters.

Peering through the empty doorway, Leopold hesitated, unsure whether to enter.

He texted Anna: [Where are you guys?]

Anna, who had not quite finished chewing her lamb, hit the voice message button, "On a mission, gotta stick to Ms. Vivienne like glue."

Vivienne said, "Just drop the stuff off, and don't be a nuisance. You mess up the deal, I'll break your legs."

Percival added his own threat, "I'll dislocate your arm."

Thomas kept it simple, "Good luck, man!"

Listening to the sounds of bubbling fondue, fizzing sodas, and the stubborn mastication of lamb, Leopold was in disbelief.

Was this really a mission?

This was sheer torture!

But he had no choice; he had to deliver the documents quickly.

Griffin had already sent a reminder in the Little Bombs group chat – a special group Vivienne had created for convenience.

With no other option, Leopold donned a mask and hat, covering himself completely, and entered Griffin's home.

The evening was setting in, and Griffin had only a desk lamp on, leaving the main lights off.

Three different-colored pens lay strewn across documents, each marking various annotations.

Leopold cleared his throat gently, but Griffin showed no reaction.

He moved closer and tapped Griffin's head with the documents, "Hey, the papers..."

"Ah!"

Bam!

Stars danced before Leopold's eyes as he staggered backward and collapsed to the floor.

When he came to, or more accurately, when he could finally open his left eye again, all the lights in Griffin's place were on.

Griffin was there, casually perusing the documents, and upon seeing Leopold awake, she nonchalantly remarked, "Are you nuts? Sneaking up behind people all in black with a mask? How do you expect someone to react?"

Leopold clutched his right eye. "You're the one who's nuts! Didn't you say you didn't want to see me? How else was I supposed to hide my face?"

Griffin nearly burst out laughing. "Since when did you start following orders so well?"

Leopold exhaled sharply. "I don't have the energy to argue. I've delivered your stuff; I'm out of here."

"Not so fast," Griffin pointed outside, "It's pouring rain, and the cops towed your car."

Leopold was dumbfounded, "Wait, what? Why would they tow my car?"

"You were blocking traffic," Griffin said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Leopold clenched his fists, grinding his teeth, "Couldn't you, just maybe, help me out and move the car into your garage?"

Griffin smirked. "Sorry, my garage isn't for storing Husky sleds."

Leopold was speechless, finally settling on the couch in frustration.

Griffin continued her work as if he was not even there.

Eventually, Leopold's stomach began to rumble. He tapped the desk, "Hungry?"

Without looking back, Griffin gestured toward the fridge, "Help yourself."

Leopold found nothing but instant noodles and pre-made sandwiches inside, alongside cans of soda – the classic bachelor's feast.

He could not help but ask, "Is this what you usually eat?"

Griffin hummed an affirmation, "Just me here, so I make do."