The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 456

Leopold spun around and caught Vivienne's gaze resting on him with a profound intensity.

He was taken aback. Why was Vivienne looking at him like that?

Had he misspoken?

If he found out who the hell had brought Griffin to a joint like this, he would break the bastard's legs!

Griffin shot him an indescribable look and pointed at Vivienne. "Vivienne brought me here. This dude, she's the one who introduced us."

Leopold was dumbstruck.

Holy shit!

Was it too late to make a run for it?

What was wrong with Griffin?

Why did she not say Vivienne was the one who brought her here sooner?

This was a disaster!

Leopold's gaze shifted, and then he turned on the charm, looking at Vivienne. "Vivienne, fancy seeing you here! Need a refill? Tonight's on me. Have a blast."

He paused, then added, "But I'll take this gentleman with me. A high-class lady like yourself shouldn't be slumming it with these bozos."

Vivienne reclined in her chair, arms crossed, a smirk playing on her lips. "Oh? Since when do you get a say in who this jerk drinks with?"

Leopold dropped to his knees.

He was on the verge of tears. "Vivienne, I didn't mean it. I wasn't calling you out!"

Vivienne casually cleaned her ears, then turned to Griffin. "Do I have a problem with my hearing?"

Griffin, ever so earnest, replied, "Not at all."

Vivienne turned back to Leopold, silent.

Leopold was screwed.

“Griffin, whose side are you even on?” He shouted inwardly.

Griffin was obviously on Vivienne’s side.

Leopold offered a sheepish grin. "Look, I misspoke. Can we just let bygones be bygones?"

Vivienne remained silent.

Leopold went on, "I've come into some money recently. How about I treat you?"

Still no response from Vivienne.

Leopold, getting desperate, tried another angle. "I'll cover your strawberry cheesecake fix for the next few months?"

Vivienne did not budge an inch.

Leopold was out of options.

He stood up, grabbed a beer bottle, and, without a second thought, cracked it over his own head with a 'thud.'

He then looked at Vivienne, dead serious. "I'm sorry, Vivienne. Truly."

Vivienne was speechless.

So was Griffin.

Dawson, not far off, was equally stunned.

The guy next to Leopold could not believe his eyes.

This kid was hardcore!

Vivienne pinched the bridge of her nose, feeling an overwhelming urge to boot Leopold out of her circle.

Was he missing a few screws?

Making a scene like this in front of everyone?

Was he trying to paint her as a tyrant?

And more importantly, she had not spoken because she wanted to see what Leopold would offer next. Instead, he had gone and given himself a concussion!

Now, with several pairs of eyes on her, she felt a surge of frustration she could not release.

She tossed a pack of tissues at Leopold. "Clean yourself up, for heaven's sake. You're embarrassing yourself."

Leopold chuckled nervously, wiped off the booze, and sidled up to Vivienne. "We good now?"

He was used to tagging along on missions with Percival, facing all kinds of danger. During training, they would smash bricks on their heads, not just bottles. This was child's play for him.

The main thing was to cool down Vivienne.

Vivienne ignored him.

Seeing that Vivienne was not angry anymore, Leopold ventured, "Look, Vivienne, why drag Griffin to a dive like this? Look at that guy; he's clearly up to no good."

Vivienne tilted her head, a mischievous glint in her eyes, and clamped a hand on Leopold's shoulder. "I was playing Cupid for Griffin. She's met too few guys. Once she's got a boyfriend, she'll stop pining after you."

Leopold was in disbelief. "You never said that before!"

Vivienne snorted. "You're my protégé. I wouldn't let you be mistreated. The person you don't want to marry—I'm not going to force you. Now get out of here and have fun. Griffin's my responsibility."