The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 455

Griffin clutched the jacket to her chest, reveling in a sweetness she had never felt before.

By the time Leopold returned, Griffin was truly asleep.

Cradled in her arms was Leopold's coat, her face adorned with the kind of smile unique to little girls who had just been gifted candy.

Leopold, arms laden with bags of groceries and takeout, stuffed Griffin's fridge until it was bursting at the seams.

He popped some ready meals in the microwave, leaving a note to remind Griffin to eat once she woke up.

After tucking her into bed and ensuring everything was perfect, he slipped away, leaving the jacket tightly clutched in Griffin's hands.

...

The next day.

Vivienne's phone was bombarded with a flurry of texts from Griffin, gushing like an overexcited puppy.

[Vivienne, for the first time, our fridge is chock-full!]

[He carried me to bed last night, oh my god, does that mean he cares about me?!]

[Vivienne, is this a crush, or is it love? Am I torturing myself?]

Vivienne massaged her temples as she read the relentless stream of messages.

She did not know if Griffin was crushing or if it was love, nor if Griffin was torturing herself.

What she did know was that Griffin was torturing her!

[Zip it.] She texted back.

[Hehe, morning Vivienne! What do I do next? I don't know how to act around him. He hasn't said he likes me, but why would he care otherwise? I'm worried I'm reading too much into this. It could just be him being nice.]

Vivienne finally came to her senses and typed swiftly: [Meet me at Silver Bar tonight, 8 pm sharp.]

Then she called Dawson.

He picked up immediately, his voice oozing smugness, "My dear Vivienne, missing me this early?"

"Buzz off." Vivienne regretted the call for a moment.

"Tonight, 8 pm. Bring Leopold to Silver Bar."

"Got it!" Dawson paused, "Vivienne, is Griffin going too?"

"How'd you know?" Vivienne was taken aback.

Dawson laughed, "Come on, these little games girls play? We're onto them, except for Leopold, that blockhead. He's always talking about you or Griffin; I should've seen him fretting when Griffin was busy with her patent stuff. Don't worry, they've got chemistry."

Reassured by Dawson's words, Vivienne relaxed.

Her efforts were not in vain as long as there was a spark.

But then she frowned, "You're awfully well-informed."

Dawson choked. "All thanks to Larry's teachings... My heart is devoted, Vivi—"

She hung up, cutting him off mid-sentence.

Dawson texted Larry, [Vivienne's giving me the cold shoulder.]

Larry replied, [Serves you right.]

At 8 pm, Vivienne and Griffin made their entrance at Silver Bar, commandeering the most central booth.

With Griffin's rare beauty paired with Vivienne's charm, they immediately drew gazes.

Like goddesses, they sat amidst the crowd, deflecting advances and invitations with an air of untouchable grace.